When talking about innovation and entrepreneurship, we conjure images of revolutionary products and world-changing ideas. What is often missed in the discussion is the impact that these concepts have on the student. To help illustrate and understand this, I think it is important that I share a little bit of my story.
Growing up, I learned two things – I was different, and for me to overcome those differences, I would have to adapt and innovate. I was born with a neurological disorder with a long fancy name that left me with significant physical limitations. These limitations became very evident in my teenage years when I began working. Most teenage jobs (at a time when we were way less technologically advanced) required some degree of physical effort. My very first job was blueberry raking. We were paid by the number of buckets filled in a day. I earned a fraction of what my peers did due to my limitations.
This was a defining moment. I embraced entrepreneurship. The following summer, I opened my own business, a canteen selling snacks and drinks. By building my “job” around my capabilities, I thrived. I earned more than any of my friends working traditional jobs. Entrepreneurship wasn’t just about financial gain; it was about empowerment. It fostered a confidence I never knew existed. It reshaped me, turning me into an embodiment of the entrepreneurial mindset. This internal development is far more impactful than external results.
The Arthur L. Irving Entrepreneurship Centre at Saint Mary’s University has been built on this philosophy and is embodied in our programs. Access-Ability supports aspiring entrepreneurs that identify as having a disability. Options Online uses an entrepreneurial lens to help multi-barriered youth secure employment. The TD Entrepreneurship Inclusion Initiative strengthens our support for diverse student entrepreneurs. We use entrepreneurship and innovation as a vehicle to empower students to not only change the world but, more importantly, to change themselves.
So, the next time you support an entrepreneur or advocate for innovation, remember the profound impact you have. You’re not just fueling progress; you’re helping students navigate their own journeys, becoming the best versions of themselves.
