RBC Future Launch Scholarships are empowering remarkable youth to pursue the important jobs of today and tomorrow.
Surrey’s Taya Suttill is a second year Biological Sciences student at Simon Fraser University. She is still undecided about the career path she would like to take, but what she does know is the importance of role models and hopes the achievement of completing her university degree will motivate and inspire Indigenous youth from her community.
“I know that I want to pursue a career within the field of science, however, I have many interests within this field,” says Suttill. “I plan to obtain my Bachelor of Science Degree and then continue my education to obtain a Master’s Degree. My hope is to use the achievement of my degrees to serve as a role model; to motivate and inspire other Indigenous individuals to pursue their passion with heart and hard work.”
Taya has always looked to lead by example, as shown through her volunteer involvement throughout her years attending Lord Tweedsmuir Secondary School in Surrey. Thanks in part to 250 hours volunteering on the Physical Education Leadership Program, she was awarded the Panther Spirit Award as the Leadership Program’s most outstanding volunteer.
“Physical activity has been a major part of my life,” says Suttill. “Volunteers were essential to enabling my sporting events to take place in an organized manner. I decided to join and participate in the program because I wanted to give back and pay it forward.”
Taya was recently selected as one of 20 student recipients of the RBC Future Launch Indigenous Youth Scholarship. The scholarship was first awarded in 1992 and is adjudicated by a panel of Indigenous community leaders each year. To date, more than $1.8 million has been awarded to 198 Indigenous youth, from First Nations, Inuit and Metis background.
“The RBC Scholarship will assist me with covering the many costs associated with my post-secondary education endeavours,” says Suttill. “The funding will provide me with something so valuable; more time. Rather than utilize my time working or worrying about my educational expenses, I will be able to use my time for my learning.”
For Suttill, the goal is to give all her focus to her studies. Throughout the completion of her studies, she knows her career path will become clear.
“My main goal for University is to learn and absorb as much as I can, to expand the spectrum of my knowledge and discover my true passion,” says Suttill. “The scholarship will facilitate me in achieving my goal.”
To learn more about RBC’s efforts to support Indigenous youth and communities, visit: rbc.com/indigenous.
