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TIMMINS – Jack Heikkila always had an interest in science.
That interest led the Timmins student to the University of Toronto to major in biochemistry, with minors in immunology and physiology. He hopes his $3,000 scholarship award from Municipal Retirees Organization Ontario (MROO) will help him continue down that road.
“I’ve just had strong feelings of gratitude,” he said. “I look forward to using this to further my education, and I hope I can make good use of it.”
RELATED: Timmins student wins $3K scholarship
The MROO scholarships are awarded annually to students at Canadian universities, community colleges or similar post-secondary institutions going into their second year of study with a full course load.
His parents pointed him toward the scholarship after a colleague’s daughter previously received a scholarship.
“My father retired the same year I graduated high school,” he said. “My parents encouraged me to apply.”
Hekkila is still considering his future options, but he is interested in research positions, and he’s been volunteering at an emergency room. While his academic success is the focus, he is also an avid intramural basketball player.
“It’s nice to have a break, and it’s important to stay active, too,” he said.
The community around him, including his family and friends, teachers, coaches, and others is a big part of why he’s been successful, said Hekkila.
“I learned a great deal from many of these people and would say that they played a significant role in shaping my academic interests and perspective on the world,” he said. “I would not be where I am without them.”
He said it’s still early to make plans for the future, but if he decides to go into medicine, he knows doctors and other medical professionals are needed back in Timmins.
“You can go really anywhere with that,” he said. “I do understand that Northern Ontario could definitely use the support of the healthcare system, so I would definitely be interested in pursuing a career in Northern Ontario in healthcare, but that will have to be something I decide a lot later down the line.”
Amanda Rabski-McColl
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