by Giulliana Micheletto
From a young age, Lika Chowdhury knew what her goals were. She had an early interest in science and medicine. This clear vision became the compass for her high school years, where she geared all her extracurriculars and volunteer work around this purpose. Her dedication was evident in her volunteering at hospitals, many children’s charities, and an animal shelter. These activities were deeply aligned with her personal values of doing good in the community.
Chowdhury’s academic path led her to the University of Waterloo for her undergraduate degree. While she initially enrolled in a Co-op program, she ultimately switched out of it, a decision she now regrets for the exposure it would have offered to different industries. However, her unwavering focus on graduate school kept her moving forward. She then pursued a master’s in Immunology and Microbiology at Western University, a subject that had captivated her since childhood.
Throughout her studies, her commitment to service remained constant; she continued to volunteer at the hospital and was involved with “Let’s Talk Science.” Her journey wasn’t entirely smooth, though; she initially started a master’s in cellular molecular biology before realizing it wasn’t the right fit and switching fields. Despite these changes, her values have always remained the central pillar of her life.
Chowdhury readily acknowledges her foundational support system.
“My sister was a big part of it,” she explains, adding that “my teachers, definitely my teachers who saw potential in me” were also crucial.
She is also grateful for the community service and leadership recognition she received through the Future Aces Scholarship.
“I look for value in whatever I am doing” she reflects, “Those core values of helping and knowing that I am making a difference are really exciting for me.”
Chowdhury expands, by explaining howher principles guide her daily actions. “When I’m volunteering at the hospital, I must understand who I am working with, and I must be mindful of how I show up and communicate. There’s a lot of empathy involved” she says.
“Everything – collaboration, cooperation and empathy – goes hand in hand.”
While many of her values were instilled early in life, humility was a principle she embraced later on.
“Being open to learning is so important.”
You’re never going to meet someone’s needs unless you understand what the gaps [in the equation] are. This continuous learning, she believes, is key to truly helping others.
For the next generation of leaders, Chowdhury offers insightful advice: “not to put a lot of pressure on themselves” while simultaneously focusing on discovering and aligning with their core values. She strongly advocates for an open mindset, emphasizing the importance of receiving feedback. “Being able to receive feedback is a learning opportunity to do better,” she states, acknowledging that while it can be challenging, it’s essential for growth and overcoming self-doubt.
Her wisdom offers a powerful message: take a breather, regroup, and seek out resources or even just conversations with those who have walked similar paths. In taking her own advice Chowdhury feels confident that although she doesn’t yet know what the next chapter of her life will hold, her motivation remains the same: to find value in everything she does.
