Dawson students Sophia El Bakir (Social Science-North-South Studies) and Mariana Cueto Mendoza (Social Science-Law, Society and Justice) are headed to Toronto for the Loran Scholar national interviews, which take place Feb. 24-26.

Sophia and Mariana are among 90 students selected as finalists from a total of 4,800 students across Canada. These finalists “have demonstrated their drive to step up in the face of challenges and positively impact their communities,” the Loran website said.

Finalists receive a one-time $5,000 Loran Finalist Award tenable at any Canadian university. The 36 young Canadians chosen to be Loran Scholars will receive the country’s largest and most comprehensive four-year undergraduate award, valued at $100,000. They also are paired with a counsellor, attend a scholars’ retreat in the summer and join a national community of scholars and alumni who inspire and motivate each other.

Sophia El Bakir, active volunteer and VP in student union

Sophia is extremely honoured and excited to go to Toronto. In an interview with Dawson’s Communications Office, Sophia said she believes it is the effort she puts into her work that led to her selection. “Being VP of Academics and Advocacy for the student union probably contributed to it, not because of its title, but because it allows me to help my peers and make sure they learn in an environment free of discrimination. Being a volunteer at a legal clinic is only as meaningful as the actual work I do: setting up workshops to help students, who may be discouraged at the prospect of becoming a lawyer due to their background, access the legal profession.”

Sophia, who is graduating this year, said she has enjoyed the North-South Studies Profile of the Social Science Program. “It’s a unique program that taught me about the power dynamics between the Global North and the Global South as well as international solidarity,” she said. “It helped hone my understanding of systemic change and social activism, which I apply in the projects I undertake.”

Sophia is very involved in the Dawson Student Union. “I organize events like Get Ready for Uni, help students who come to me with complaints, and make sure students are well-represented in the spheres of the school. Outside of school, I am a lifeguard and swim instructor as well as a volunteer at the Legal Clinic of Saint-Michel.”

Sophia’s future

Sophia’s future plans include studying law at McGill, University of Toronto or University of British Columbia. Her vision of a brighter future is one with less systemic injustices. Sophia says: “structures have been built for centuries to keep certain power dynamics in place. I want to be part of the movement that starts the dismantlement of these structures so that future generations don’t have to experience the current human rights violations we see around the world today.”

Sophia wanted to share some advice her sister gave her: “success is not measured by the number of trophies on your shelf or by the number of awards on your CV. It is measured by how you feel about them. No matter the sector, no matter how big or small, if you feel like you have helped someone, if you feel content or satisfied, then that is an immense success worth celebrating. And that is what helped me get through my journey!”

Mariana Cueto Mendoza: Co-president of Feminist Union and active at Dawson  

Mariana feels honoured to be selected and was “overwhelmed with gratitude” when she received the news. In an interview with Dawson’s Communications Office, Mariana said that her application was based on her engagement in the Dawson community.

“As the co-president of the Feminist Union, I have guided teams of volunteers and executives into accomplishing common goals, such as raising money for different initiatives and expanding the club’s role within Dawson,” she said. “I have also volunteered within many different clubs and initiatives at Dawson, such as the Dawson Law Club, the Creative Collective for Change, and Dawson’s Model United Nations Delegation, which have all allowed me to grow confident in my own leadership and diplomacy skills, while gaining experience in areas like event coordination and social media managing.”

Mariana, who will be graduating this year, has thoroughly enjoyed her Dawson experience. “I feel like I will graduate as a new and improved version of myself. As a student in Law, Society, and Justice, I have developed my critical thinking abilities through debates, enriching classes, and extracurricular activities. I have also enjoyed being a part of a community of scholars who support each other and learn from one another.”

Mariana’s future plans include studying law or political science at McGill or Université de Montréal or the University of Ottawa. By studying law and politics through a feminist and anti-racist lens, Mariana hopes “to grasp a more accurate understanding of our society’s struggles and the concrete actions that can be taken to systemically challenge and change systems of oppression.”

Focused on action

“In the meantime, I am focusing on local action: by contributing to the fight to make Dawson’s community become more inclusive and equitable for everyone, I am building the foundations that will allow me to eventually expand the scope of my projects, helping more and more people as I cultivate my skills and gain momentum from previous projects.”

Mariana has had to overcome challenges to get to where she is now.  “As an immigrant student, I have overcome language barriers and struggled with the feelings of isolation that come with being away from home. Although it has been hard, I have always been surrounded by people who care deeply about me and turn this journey into a less lonely one.”

“I especially want to thank the people who have supported me through this process, such as my friends, my family, and the Law, Society, and Justice coordinator, who provided me with guidance through the application process. Everyone’s words of encouragement and acts of kindness have motivated me to be a better version of myself every day.”

Mariana is preparing for the national interviews through meditation: “Meditating helps me stay grounded and present, which will help me enjoy things instead of stress over them.”