Akshita J.

I graduated from Evan Hardy Collegiate, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, where academic excellence coalesced with leadership, community involvement, and personal development. I received High Honours throughout high school which shows my work ethic, but my most significant achievements lay well beyond the confines of the classroom. Some achievements include obtaining my Power Pilot License in seven weeks through a $25,000 scholarship with the Royal Canadian Air Cadets (702 Lynx Squadron). This experience pushed me to develop resiliency, precision, and adaptability with poise in high-pressure conditions. Through cadets, I also earned: the Cadet Medal of Excellence, in 2023 and The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Medal, in 2023. Taking up the responsibility as a Cadet Correspondent and serving at the National Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Group means becoming an agent of inclusiveness and equity to ensure nobody feels left out among the cadets. Outside of cadets, a desire to serve the community supported me to have over 300 hours of volunteering with various organizations YMCA Community Action Network, Global Gathering Place, Saskatoon Open Door Society, and International Women of Saskatoon Teaching English and computer skills to newcomers and helping them with integration into life in Canada, thus taking my resolve for social impact into a very enriching dimension. I had been an active leader in the Student Representative Council at Evan Hardy Collegiate, where, as International Director, I integrated newcomers, helping them through cultural events; and as Activities Director, I organized school-wide initiatives like spirit days, dances, and community events. Athletically, I have competed in Senior Badminton, while contributing as a basketball scorekeeper and referee to my school's sports community. These experiences taught me teamwork, discipline, and the importance of perseverance. These diverse experiences have molded me into a confident, driven, community-minded leader ready to take on new challenges here at the University of Calgary. I look forward to further developing my finance, leadership, and advocacy skills as a means to effect change in my university experience.

I chose a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance because financial systems and their impact on businesses have always fascinated me. However, I also aspire to pursue corporate law, as it challenges my ability to think and act critically within legal and financial frameworks. Combining these fields will provide a strong foundation for strategic decision-making, governance, and ethical business practices. Throughout my undergraduate studies, I look forward to exploring financial markets, corporate governance, and business law, as well as participating in leadership initiatives and case competitions. I am particularly interested in the intersection of finance, law, and corporate ethics, especially how legal frameworks can foster financial transparency and responsible business conduct. This degree will equip me with the skills and knowledge to excel in corporate law and drive ethical, sustainable business growth.

In the long run, I envision myself practicing corporate law by advising businesses on mergers, acquisitions, compliance, and financial regulations. Contributing to responsible and sustainable business growth while ensuring that financial and legal frameworks are designed to conform to standards of corporate responsibility is what I want to do. My aspiration will be excellence in corporate governance and financial law for eventual leadership positions which implement change that is positive within the business world.

Being an immigrant, I had to make many adjustments, but I am truly grateful for the opportunities provided. My parents' sacrifices drive me to never let any opportunities slip by that they struggled so hard to provide.