Meet Trinity’s 2018 Pearson Scholars
In September, U of T will welcome 40 new Pearson Scholars to campus. We are pleased to announce that 4 of them will be joining the Trinity College community.
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship was created to bring exceptional students from around the world to study at U of T. Named after Canada’s 14th prime minister, Nobel Peace Prize laureate and U of T graduate Lester Bowles Pearson, the scholarship recognizes exceptional academic achievement, creativity, leadership potential and community involvement. It covers tuition, books, incidental fees and residence costs for four years.
See the list of all 2018 Pearson Scholars.
Meet Trinity’s 2018 Pearson Scholars
Angad Singh Arneja
Dhirubhai Ambani International School, India | Faculty of Arts & Science, Rotman Commerce: Trinity College
Angad Arneja is an IB Diploma Student from the Dhirubhai Ambani International School in Mumbai, India. Alongside his academics, Angad has deeply pursued his passion in sports as a national-level athlete in 10 metre Air Pistol. Through discipline and tenacity, he won the provincial championship and subsequently captained his provincial team to win gold at the National School Games. An active member of the community, he has been working as a coach at his sports club where he co-authored a guide on 10m Air Pistol alongside the Indian Olympic team coach to help aspiring athletes around the country.
However, his commitment and ability to achieve extends beyond sports. A curious learner, Angad excels in Economics and Mathematics and intends to deepen his knowledge in these subjects through the Rotman Commerce program. After university, he aspires to become an entrepreneur and disrupt industries by producing innovative technologies that positively impact the people in his community.
Agnes Priscilla Layarda
St Joseph’s Institution International School, Singapore | Faculty of Arts & Science, Social Sciences, Trinity College
“I’m incredibly honored and humbled to be selected as the Lester B. Pearson scholar. Having lived in Indonesia and Singapore, I also look forward to traveling, quite literally, across the globe to call Toronto and Trinity College a new home! My IB journey and experience in organizing community service initiatives in Singapore, Thailand, and Cambodia have led to my current passion for development economics. Beyond its sexy intellectual appeals, economics is ultimately about the lives and struggles of real people and this human aspect strongly resonates with me. I plan to further pursue economics alongside international relations at U of T and ultimately contribute towards improving welfare systems in developing countries. Outside of school, I am an adventurous traveler, a keen foodie, a LotR nerd, an amateur flutist and a slightly below average dancer. I also enjoy running and HIIT training, and I very recently started Muay Thai and dragon boat racing!”
Subham Rai
Premier Academy, Kenya | Faculty of Arts & Science, Math & Physical Sciences, Trinity College
“I was born in India and grew up in various regions of Kenya. Living in Kenya, I witnessed poverty on a daily basis and observed how Kenyan farmers often suffered immensely from it. I wish to use my interest in Actuarial Science and the knowledge I will gain from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences at the University of Toronto in order to devise government and private insurance schemes in order to make their farming businesses (and lives) better. I play chess on an international level, and thoroughly enjoy participating in debates such as those found in Model United Nation programs, in which I was a Senior Chairperson. I am truly grateful for being awarded the Lester Pearson International Scholarship. I look forward to studying in the University of Toronto and being a member of Trinity College and cannot wait to explore the diverse city of Toronto.”
Raquel Alegria Serrano
Liceo Internacional, Ecuador | Faculty of Arts & Science, Humanities, Trinity College
“My name is Raquel and I was born and raised in Quito with my two older brothers, by parents who both work in education. Ecuador is a country famous for Darwin and his trip to the Galapagos, but we are also a country trying to improve things for our citizens. I am honoured to be a Lester B. Pearson scholar, and the first Ecuadorean recipient. I know that studying at the University of Toronto will be challenging, but also an incredible experience. I hope to continue participating in the activities I have been involved in at the political youth school here in Quito, volunteering, and as I am the school goalkeeper, I also hope to continue playing football in Toronto.”
The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarships at the University of Toronto provide an unparalleled opportunity for outstanding international students to study at one of the world’s best universities in one of the world’s most multicultural cities. The scholarship program is intended to recognize students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and creativity and who are recognized as leaders within their school. A special emphasis is placed on the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community.
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