Meet Beedie Luminary, Michal Oqbe, from Cohort 2020. In pursuit of a Bachelor of Science from SFU, Michael has started her first year in the Health Science program on the Burnaby campus.
Additionally, inspired by Ryan Beedie’s philanthropy and the important work of Beedie Luminaries, Vistara Capital Partners created the newly established Vistara Elevate Awards within the Beedie Luminaries program this summer. This particular award is for selected students of ethnic and racially diverse backgrounds, who are pursuing their degrees in finance and/or STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering & Math) – sectors that Vistara believes are in great need of diversity and inclusion of members of our black, indigenous, and other underrepresented ethnic communities. Michal Oqbe is the inaugural recipient of the Vistara Elevate Award.
What program will you be taking in post-secondary and why does it interest you?
I will be attending Simon Fraser University of British Columbia, currently studying Health Sciences. I found this program interesting because I wanted to learn about health and how to eliminate health related issues in 3rd world countries.
Tell us a little bit about your background (growing up, going to school, extra-curricular activities, etc.).
I was born in Eritrea, a small East African country, and lived there until I was 5. Then, due to religious oppression and forced military conscription in my country, I moved to Kenya and lived there for 6 years. I moved to Canada when I was 11 years old.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Growing up, I have always wanted to become a doctor.
What was your senior quote in high school?
“There are no limits to what you can accomplish, except the limits you place on your own thinking”- Brian Tracy.
What are you looking forward to in your freshman year?
I’m looking forward to meeting new people and making more friends in my freshman year!
Who would you have dinner with if you could have it with any person, living or dead?
I would love to have dinner with Beyoncé!
What is the best piece of advice someone has ever given you?
To be patient and persistent no matter what happens in life.
What was the last book you read?
A Court of Thorns and Roses.
What would people be surprised to find out about you?
People would be surprised to find out that I have 6 siblings and that I’m the eldest!
How has the Vistara Elevate Award has impacted your life?
I was and still am very happy and thankful to have become the first person to win the Vistara Elevate awards. I want to work in a STEM related area, where you don’t often see a lot of POC and so this award has given the tremendous support that I need for the future.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone who has put the time and effort to create this amazing opportunity for students like me. And a huge shout out to the Beedie Luminaries for making this a very enjoyable and welcoming environment!
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