Catalyzing Change: How One Future Teacher Is Redefining Chemistry Class

I am fascinated with the idea that our universe only functions because certain atoms are bonded in specific ways. The thought that the phenomenon we call life is only possible because of certain interactions intrigues me. But this wasn’t always the case. When I was younger, I used to think science was boring and I couldn’t see how it related to my life. Then I took a Chemistry class in high school and my teacher completely changed my perspective on the subject! He made me realise that our day to day lives are very much dictated by things that exist but that we cannot see. Chemistry became fun and engaging. From then, I was hooked!

Hi, my name is Sameer, and I’m excited to start my post-secondary studies at the University of Calgary this September. I plan to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry, followed by a Bachelor of Education. My goal is to be a high school science teacher, combining my love of chemistry and my passion for teaching. My RESP will help me to fund my education to fulfill my dreams.

I get a real sense of satisfaction when I see my students get it, especially if they’ve been struggling. The first time I experienced this feeling was when I worked with a dyslexic student to help her improve her literacy skills. She went from struggling to read to becoming one of the best readers in her class! Seeing her progress showed me how much of a difference an educator can make in a student’s life. It is moments like this, and many others, that showed me, I love to teach!

This feeling of satisfaction has been a constant in my various mentorship roles. As a summer camp leader at the Ontario Science Centre, I enjoyed sharing scientific concepts with my campers. While working as a senior Cadet in the Royal Canadian Air Cadet Program, I liked teaching lessons on leadership and instructional techniques. Further, as a Lead Mentor at my school, I took on the responsibility of planning and teaching lessons in math and science to younger students. Through these roles, my intention was and now continues to be to inspiring my students as my teachers inspired me!

We all face challenges and I am no exception. When I was a year old, I was diagnosed with a rare form of eye cancer. My eye was removed and replaced with a prosthetic. As a result, I have monocular vision which means I can only see from one eye. I have no depth perception and reduced peripheral vision. Things that other kids take for granted, such as catching a ball, are difficult for me. Despite my challenges, I have excelled at academics and have participated in some great extracurricular activities. I was a Flight Sergeant in the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, which is the 3rd highest rank, and a Duke of Edinburgh’s International Gold Award recipient. For many years, I was the keynote speaker at my school’s Terry Fox Run. One of the most difficult things I’ve ever done is a 10 day canoe trip on the Spanish River in Ontario with other youth affected by cancer. It was physically and mentally challenging and I wasn’t sure I would be able to do it, but we got together as a team, supported each other and completed the adventure. I want people to know that no matter what challenges they face, they can succeed!

When I become a teacher, I want to continue using my skills to give back to the childhood cancer community. This is especially important to me because as a childhood cancer survivor I know firsthand how important it is to have educational support when undergoing treatment. I plan to provide this support by tutoring kids, filling educational gaps, and helping parents navigate the educational system so they can better advocate for their children.

I want to make a positive impact on the world around me and I believe that being an educator is a great way to do that. To me, being a teacher is not just about providing young people with knowledge, but rather about providing the tools a student needs to succeed in life. I want to empower the youth of tomorrow so that they can overcome their own challenges, embrace learning, and become compassionate, engaged citizens who contribute positively to their communities.