Lakehead students Rylind Davis and Seth Mandel have set the bar high when it comes to academic excellence and their determination to be changemakers.

They are among only 30 students from across Canada chosen to receive 2024-25 Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarships. "The scholarship is an immense honour that I hold close to my heart," Seth says. "It has had a significant impact on my ability to focus on my studies because it has alleviated some of the financial burdens that come with being in law school." The scholarship has made Rylind's educational journey easier, too. "I've been able to use the scholarship for expenses like computers, commuting costs, and books. Being a hybrid student and a student in the age of technology, I needed to have a good, reliable computer to complete coursework with."

Seth was Born a Fighter

A premature baby who weighed just one pound and 10 ounces, Seth was given a less than a 1% chance of survival. "Growing up, I faced many challenges, including ADHD and severe hearing impairment," says the Toronto native and first-year student at Lakehead's Bora Laskin Faculty of Law in Thunder Bay. "These obstacles led others to doubt my ability to succeed, but I've always been determined to prove the naysayers wrong."

"I have a deep love for sports, particularly the Toronto Maple Leafs," Seth says. "I'm also blessed with two younger siblings, supportive parents, and my six-year-old dog, Mishka, who all play a huge role in my life."

Today, the former amateur athlete is channeling his ambition into becoming a lawyer. "I realized that a career in law would not only allow me to make a meaningful impact on society but also stand up for those who need a voice—something I'm passionate about.

At this point, I'm still deciding between criminal defence and sports law. I feel drawn to criminal defence because of my commitment to defending marginalized communities. On the other hand, my love for sports and the influence of movies like Jerry Maguire have sparked an interest in becoming a sports agent or corporate lawyer."

Seth says that Lakehead is helping him achieve his bold ambitions. "My experience has been incredibly positive. The ability to connect personally with professors and peers has made Bora Laskin a great fit for me, both academically and socially."

Rylind is a Mentor and Activist

"I was diagnosed with hearing loss when I was 13 and have used hearing aids ever since," Rylind says. The second-year history and political science student explains that "the Orillia campus being about an hour from my home in Huntsville has been beneficial for creating connections with friends and profs and the small class sizes are great."

Rylind believes "it's important for young people to be involved with politics because politics affects all of us in our everyday lives and our generation that must deal with the long-term effects of political decisions made today."

Despite his young age, Rylind is already a keen advocate for his fellow community members. In particular, he's an outspoken member of the Town of Huntsville's Accessibility Advisory Committee. "Seventy per cent of disabilities are invisible, and when it comes to advising the town council, those with invisible disabilities must have their voices heard," he says.

Rylind is considering becoming a high school teacher because it would give him the opportunity to help students "who may not understand a concept the first time it's taught, but who have a light-bulb moment when it's explained in a different way."

Teaching youth in conflict with the law is another career option he's mulling over. "Two of my very good friends spent time in Ontario youth detention centres and they didn't receive the same quality of education I did. Although kids in detention may have made serious mistakes, these mistakes shouldn't hold them back for the rest of their lives."

Rylind also wants to make it clear that "having a disability or hearing loss does not make students stupid, it just means that we need different tools and resources in order to be successful."

Congratulations Seth and Rylind on your Canadian Hearing Services National Scholarships!

Canadian Hearing Services is the country's leading provider of professional programs, services, and products that enable Deaf and hard of hearing Canadians to overcome barriers to participation in society.