Student Spotlight: Shunsho Ando Heng Winner of Student Leadership Award
The Department of English & Drama is excited to recognize Shunsho Ando Heng as one of the 2026 University of Toronto Student Leadership Awards (UTSLA).
Here's what Shunsho had to say about leadership and his experience at English & Drama.
What does leadership mean to you?
- To me, leadership is being able to work together with a team to achieve something that you are all proud of. I think the idea of leadership being a sole responsibility is simply untrue because so much more can be achieved by collaborating instead of just one person deciding how things should go. I've been super lucky to have worked with some of the most amazing people throughout my time at UTM, and I wouldn't have been able to accomplish this much without them.
How has your time in English & Drama fostered your work as a leader?
- The department has provided me with so many opportunities to be in various leadership roles and I couldn't have done it without the continued support of the staff, faculty, and professors. The UTM English and Drama department is the most welcoming and supportive community, and I'm super grateful to everyone who has helped me grow as a person and a leader. When I first came to university, I was worried I was going to feel lost but everyone in the department proved me wrong. From the constant encouragement to the monthly events, this department has created such a strong community that I am proud to be a part of.
What’s your favourite part about being in TDS?
- Without a doubt, the lifelong relationships that I've built, not only with my classmates but also with the other years, and of course, the professors. I am so lucky to have been part of such a tight-knit community and to have been given the space to grow and learn with others who are as passionate as I am, and at the same time, who are so supportive of each other.
