Beedie Luminaries Spotlight: Naailah Shah

“You always have time for the things that matter.” Meet Beedie Luminaries recipient, Naailah Shah, from Cohort 2020. Studying at UBC, Naailah will be majoring in Biochemistry. Learn more.

What is your field of study and why does it interest you? 

Biochemistry. From a young age I have always had an interest and passion for science, with growing enthusiasm for chemistry and biology. Knowing that in the future I would like to pursue medicine, majoring in biochemistry just seemed to be the perfect fit!

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given? 

Don’t compare yourself to others. Everyone is at different stages in their life and your accomplishments and progress are incomparable.

What would you name the autobiography of your life?

“Hatching.”

Do you have a motto or personal mantra?

You always have time for the things that matter.

What was the last experience that made you a better person?

My experience with the pandemic. It made me learn the value of personal responsibility, which in this case was my responsibility to stay home, take measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19, and find creative ways to still meet my personal needs.

What is something you learned in the last week?

That there is no such thing as being too cold.

What’s the coolest (or most important) trend you see today?

Youth activism. I feel like youth in the past may have felt that their voices were unheard, but with a rise in youth activism and youth-led groups, they are making people listen and starting conversations that must be had.

Who inspires you and why?

My sister. She knows exactly what she wants out of life; she does not have the slightest bit of uncertainty and she trusts herself to go get it.

What would people be surprised to find out about you?

That I am one year younger than my peers.

What is your favourite thing about being a part of Beedie Luminaries?

The community and amount of support and resources that are available to us. My peer group and mentor have become a huge part of my life and just having them as an additional support system has been incredibly comforting and impactful.