My Experience Leading to the 2024 Premier’s Awards
Being nominated for the 2024 Premier’s Awards was an incredible honor and one of the most humbling experiences of my career so far. The awards celebrate alumni from Ontario's public colleges who are making a meaningful difference in their communities, and to be recognized among this remarkable group of individuals was truly inspiring.
Representing Saint Lawrence College in the Science, Technology, and Engineering category was both exciting and surreal. The awards gala took place on November 25th in Toronto, bringing together over 130 nominees from across the province. It was an opportunity to connect with people from diverse fields, each with their own unique story of innovation and impact.
The evening itself was inspiring. Hearing about the achievements of my fellow nominees and winners—like George Stroumboulopoulos, who won in the Creative Arts category—was a reminder of how far-reaching and impactful college education can be. Even though I didn’t win in my category, being part of this celebration made me reflect on how much I’ve grown and what I’ve accomplished since graduating.
The process of being nominated was also deeply meaningful. Saint Lawrence College supported me throughout, from preparing the nomination package to arranging a photo shoot that coincidentally aligned with the development of my website (a win-win!). It was a moment to pause, reflect, and celebrate my journey—a reminder from my mentor, Dan Hendry, about the importance of recognizing achievements along the way.
This experience has strengthened my connection to the Saint Lawrence College community and sparked conversations about future collaborations with other alumni. It’s exciting to think about what we can achieve together.
I’m grateful to have been part of this process and look forward to continuing to contribute to the fields of science, technology, and sustainability. The Premier’s Awards reaffirmed for me that while there is still much to do, every step forward is worth celebrating.