From an early age, Autumn Wright’s father taught her to be curious and search for answers.
“He really encouraged me to ask ‘why,’” Wright said. “I would work on his car with him, and we would do science experiments on weekends and for my birthday parties. It was a big thing for both of us.”
Sharing an interest forged a bond between Wright and her dad, who served two tours in Afghanistan as a combat engineer with the Canadian Armed Forces. That connection became even more meaningful after he died in a car crash when Wright was nine.
“My dad sparked my love of science. When he passed, I wanted to make him proud by continuing to be curious and working through questions to figure out solutions,” said Wright, a first-year integrated science student from Braeside, Ont.
“My passion for science drives everything I do.”
Wright credits her mother, Sarah, a small restaurant owner, for instilling the work ethic and determination that helped her succeed.
“My mom has always been insistent that I can do whatever I’d like to do and that she will figure out how to get me there,” Wright said. “She works very hard and I didn’t want to put any more pressure on her. I was so relieved to receive this award. Now I can make my own way.”
Wright said an entrepreneurial mindset helped her identify a need in her community and led her to found and run a youth STEM club through her local museum.
“I approached one of the curators and told her I felt very passionate about science and how I explored it as a kid because of my family’s encouragement. I wanted that for other kids too,” she said.
Wright organized hands-on science activities, including making Popsicle-stick balloon cars, to spark curiosity and inspire younger students to explore science and innovation.
“I feel kids don’t have the same curiosity for science because they only have access to it in a classroom setting, where they’re being assessed. I wanted to create an environment where they could play with it and see the joy in it first, thinking if I can even inspire one kid through that program to care about the climate, our world and innovation, I’ve done my job.”
Schulich Leader Scholarships: Empowering future innovators and entrepreneurs
Wright is one of 11 first-year Western students to receive a Schulich Leader Scholarship. Valued at $120,000 for students pursuing an engineering degree and $100,000 for students pursuing degrees in science, technology or math, the scholarships are among the most competitive undergraduate awards in the country. Out of 1,300 nominees across Canada, 110 students are selected to receive the award. Businessman and philanthropist Seymour Schulich established the $200 million scholarship fund in 2012, recognizing “the increasing importance and impact the STEM disciplines have on the prosperity of future generations.” “As we celebrate the 15th cohort of Schulich Leaders, we are proud to have supported more than 1,000 exceptional Canadian students pursuing STEM degrees at our country’s top universities,” said Judy Schulich, president of the Schulich Foundation. “By supporting their ambition and creating conditions for them to succeed, we can ensure their innovations drive Canada’s future prosperity.”Leading others through a love of science
Earning a $100,000 scholarship has been life-changing for Wright, who, after her father’s death, became more of a caregiver to her younger brother as the family adjusted to their single-parent household. “I had to become self-sufficient and make strong efforts to be optimistic every day,” she said. Her perseverance paid off. Wright received academic excellence awards throughout high school and merit points for leadership and participation in robotics, student council, rugby and track and field. As a top-performing athlete, she overcame significant setbacks, including a severe concussion at age 15 and TMJ (a jaw joint disorder) from a rugby injury.Autumn Wright (right) with her mother, Sarah. (Submitted)
