Arjun Gill wants to put his stamp on the world by commanding a United Nations humanitarian mission as a military doctor with the Royal Canadian Air Force.

“I strongly believe community service allows people to be part of something greater than their own lives,” said Gill. “Personally, it gives me a feeling of purpose and happiness. Service and leadership have helped me to become a more confident, compassionate and driven citizen.”

The Abbotsford Traditional Secondary School graduate is among this year’s recipients of the 2016 TRU Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship and begins his Bachelor of Science in Nursing studies this September. Valued at $22,000, the award recognizes documented exemplary leadership and community service along with strong academic performance.

Gill’s younger brother, Arman Gill, is also a 2016 Ambassador’s Entrance Scholarship recipient.

Gill’s interest in the Royal Canadian Air Force stems from his time with Royal Canadian Air Cadets where he not only earned his Transport Canada Private Pilot’s License, but also had the opportunity to travel to China and Hong Kong on an International Cadet Exchange Association program. He taught aviation skills with the squadron’s ground school and was the section leader for the marching band. He has received several recognitions, including bronze and silver awards through the Duke of Edinburgh Program and the Royal Canadian Legion Medal of Excellence for Leadership, Camaraderie and Service.

When not immersed in cadets, he busied himself with Abbotsford Youth Commission’s Youth Council and by volunteering with Valhaven Seniors Care Home in Abbotsford. With the youth council, he helped organize and carry out activities for youth and as a member of its board, reported to the Abbotsford Youth Commission board. At Valhaven, he organized activities and connected with residents by discussing current events and the playing of piano and clarinet. It was at the care home where he gained some career clarity.

“I was able to observe the exceptional and meaningful work performed by the home’s medical staff,” said Gill. “I developed an interest in the health sciences because I admire the compassion, leadership and hard work of the head nurse and the incredibly meaningful influence he had on the lives of the residents.”

Academic accomplishments:

• completed Advanced Placement Chemistry 12 and Advanced Placement French 12
• Academic Honour Roll
• 95 percent academic average

Service to his school:

• playing clarinet in concert band, including serving as clarinet section leader the past three years
• playing main cast roles in theatre productions, including Tin Man (Wizard of Oz), Daddy Warbucks (Annie) and Grandpa Joe (Willy Wonka)
• supporting student success as a peer tutor in pre-calculus 10 and in band
• assisting with anti-bullying conventions, polio vaccine fundraisers and community fun days as an active member of the school’s Kiwanis Key Club
• playing on the school’s senior rugby team

Service to his community:

• coaching youth in Friday Night Basketball
• providing guidance and support as a senior leader in cadet marching band