Nikita-Kiran Singh is one smart cookie. The Red Deer resident and valedictorian at Hunting Hills High School has racked up $103,000 in scholarships, which should just about cover her tuition, room and board for the next four years. After weighing her options, she says, the choice to attend the U of A was a no-brainer.
What made you decide to attend the U of A?
I was considering a few different schools-University of Calgary, McGill, Toronto-but after visiting them all, I just felt the best at the U of A. Most of my family went to the U of A, and I have lots of family in Edmonton, so I would have the greatest support. And, just walking around the U of A campus, I felt like I was home.
What do you plan to study?
Biological sciences. My ultimate goal is to apply to medical school. From the time I was young, I wanted to be in a profession that allowed me to help people, and I really love science.
What courses are you most looking forward to this fall?
I'm enrolled in a comparative literature class. I know I'm in a science program, but I also really like reading and writing. And I'm really excited about taking a French class. Learning languages is a hobby of mine. I also speak Hindi, and I went on exchange with my school to France last year, so I want to get better at French.
What most excites you about heading off to university?
The challenge of moving away, and meeting new people, and taking all of these interesting courses. At home, I dance a lot-jazz, tap and ballet-so I'm looking into dance classes, maybe with Orchesis. The ballroom dance club sounds like fun. Also, I love to write. I was the editor of our school literary magazine, so I want to look into writing opportunities.
What was your first impression of campus?
When I saw the new science building, CCIS, I thought, "Wow, this is so cool." It made me really excited to think that I would be taking classes there. And then there are all the historical buildings. It's just such a pretty campus.
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