Graduating this December, Helma Bayati has already earned admission into biology programs at prestigious Canadian universities for the January 2025 intake! Her dedication and passion for biology are paving the way for an exciting future, and we can’t wait to see her achievements unfold!
- University of Alberta (Bachelor of Science with Master of Management)
- Algoma University (Biological Sciences)
- Ontario Tech University (Biological Sciences)
- University of Windsor (Biomedical Biology)
- Wilfrid Laurier, Waterloo Campus (Biological Science and Management)
- Trent University (Biological Sciences)
- Total Scholarships: $20,000 CAD
What are factors in securing early offers from universities?
I attended many seminars and meetings to learn about universities and future plans. Because of that, I had a clear idea of what I needed to do, so I started my applications as soon as the process opened.
I was also careful to meet all university requirements and maintained my grades at the highest level possible, so I didn’t have any worries about meeting the standards.
Your favorite class at CIC and why?
My favorite class is biology. It is not just a subject of study for me, it’s my passion.
It is like a parent subject for all subjects. I imagine mathematics as the core, the brain that is surrounded by physics, and physics is surrounded by chemistry, and at the end, the heart of all the subjects is biology, which incorporates them all.
The second reason is Ms. Lecluse, my teacher for both Grade 11 and Grade 12 Biology. She always answers my questions with great passion. I remember countless times when she was excited about something new, which inspired me to enjoy the class as well.
What have you achieved at CIC?
Being part of CIC’s student media team taught me a lot. I created and edited weekly photos and posters for clubs and activities. I attended workshops on Photoshop and used it for my work across multiple platforms.
I am also a peer tutor in biology and calculus. CIC runs a peer tutoring program where academically strong students work alongside those struggling in a subject.
Who inspires you?
The most inspirational people in my life are Maryam Mirzakhani and Professor Majid Samii, both of whom are Iranian figures whose stories and achievements I grew up with.
Maryam Mirzakhani graduated from the same high school as I did in Iran, which gave me even more inspiration for the future. She was the first woman to win the Fields Medal, awarded in 2014 for her contributions to geometry and dynamical systems. Her work made significant advancements in understanding the behavior of curved surfaces and their mathematical properties, having a profound impact on various areas of mathematics and inspiring many in the field.
Majid Samii, on the other hand, is a prominent neurosurgeon known for his contributions to brain surgery and neuro-oncology. He has developed advanced surgical techniques and has been involved in significant research on brain tumors and spinal disorders. Samii is also recognized for his dedication to medical education and training in neurosurgery.
Your favorite class at CIC and why?
My favorite class is biology. It is not just a subject of study for me, it’s my passion.
It is like a parent subject for all subjects. I imagine mathematics as the core, the brain that is surrounded by physics, and physics is surrounded by chemistry, and at the end, the heart of all the subjects is biology, which incorporates them all.
The second reason is Ms. Lecluse, my teacher for both Grade 11 and Grade 12 Biology. She always answers my questions with great passion. I remember countless times when she was excited about something new, which inspired me to enjoy the class as well.
