Aayushi Sharma spent the first 12 years of her life in India with her family.
Her dad moved to northern Manitoba in 2018 when he accepted a teaching job. Three years later, Aayushi, her mom, and brother joined him. Then in 2022, the family moved to Rossburn. Aayushi was in grade nine when she moved to the Parkland community, and understandably so, there was a culture shock.
She was only a year removed from moving away from India. The population of India is roughly 1.48 billion people. It's the most populous country in the world. For comparison, the population of Rossburn is about 1,000 people.
Aayushi has always been an extrovert. She loves being in the community, and upon arriving in Rossburn, she did exactly that. She accepted a job at the local Co-op and four years later, is still working there.
"I think one of the things that helped me was starting to work locally," said Sharma. "It put me out of my comfort zone and helped me connect with the people in town. That made me more comfortable and feel like it was home."
During her four years in Rossburn, Sharma has led community food drives and volunteered at the Rossburn Personal Care Home.
She was also presented the Park West School Division's Student Citizenship Award for her leadership and commitment to student voice. From the day she moved to Rossburn, Aayushi has been all in on the community, and it has allowed her to thrive.
"I personally have a strong belief that it doesn't matter how long you've lived in a place; it matters your actions and how you're contributing," continued Sharma. "It's home for me, so I should be giving back. No matter how long I've been living here, so that's one motive that I live by."
Aayushi also appreciates how welcoming the community has been. Four years after moving to the community with her family, Aayushi is set to walk across the stage. She will graduate later this month.
To think, just five years ago, she was still living in the most populated place in the world. Now she will graduate with honours in a community she's fallen in love with.
"It feels pretty awesome, I'm not going to lie. It's a bittersweet moment as well," added Sharma. "Leaving home and a community that I've been so ingrained in. With that said, I'm really looking forward to the next chapter of my life. I'm looking forward to seeing what it holds."
Aayushi will relocate to Calgary in the fall to begin her post-secondary studies at the University of Calgary, where she will major in Biological Sciences. She will be doing so with some help, thanks to the Loran Scholarship.
The Loran Scholarship is one of Canada's largest and most comprehensive undergraduate awards. It recognizes youth who demonstrate strength, character, commitment to service, and leadership potential. To put it in short, it's one of Canada's most prestigious scholarships.
It's valued at $100,000 over four years. At the time of applying, Sharma was averaging 97.6% in the classroom. The first step of the process is a written application. From there, 1,000 applicants are chosen for a pre-recorded interview.
That's dwiddled down to 259 applications for the semifinals. From there, 90 are invited to Toronto for the finals.
In the end, 36 people in the entire country received the scholarship. Aayushi Sharma is one of 36. When she found out, Sharma had to make sure she wasn't dreaming. She was honoured to be a part of the finals in Toronto with 35 other exceptional applicants.
She was honest in her interviews and stood out.
"To this day, people still congratulate me, the whole community being behind me," added Sharma. "The support is overwhelming, in a good way. It makes me feel grateful and think about the people. It's been pretty awesome, pretty great."
Spending a large portion of her time in Rossburn at the Personal Care Home, Aayushi has experienced firsthand how rural healthcare falls short in certain areas. That's why she wants to get into medicine. She's already made a massive difference, and she's not done yet.
She's one of 36 in Canada to receive the $100,000 Loran Scholarship. Her next step is Calgary, and Sharma has big plans. She has loved her Rossburn journey and giving back to the community, but knows there is more to give and achieve.
"The one thing you really expect is having good healthcare," ended Sharma. "That is something that I really care about. I volunteer at the Care Home and see what happens, and I want to change it."
In the Manitoba Legislature, Rick Wowchuk, MLA for Swan River, recognized Aayushi for her accomplishments and wished her well in the future.
"Her story is a reminder that leadership is not defined by where you come from, but by how you show up," offered Wowchuk. "Rossburn didn't just produce a Loran scholar; it helped shape exactly the kind of person this country needs. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Aayushi."
Aayushi Sharma's journey began in India. It continued in northern Manitoba before Rossburn became her home four years ago. Now she's ready for her next journey in Calgary.
She's not putting too much pressure on herself, but knows what she wants to accomplish, and is ready to make it happen.
