There’s no shame in asking questions. If you don’t ask for help, you won’t get ahead. Nobody knows everything.
When Excellence Meets Determination
Misimi Sanni is already making her mark as a high-achieving student with a story that motivates and impresses. At the age of seventeen, and a member of the Appleby College Class of 2021, Misimi’s academic accomplishments are remarkable: she earned a perfect score of 1600 on the SAT, a feat that speaks volumes about her intellect and commitment. Yet, what stands out most is her humility and thoughtful approach to success.
Currently in Grade 12 at Appleby College, one of Canada’s leading private boarding schools in Oakville, Misimi’s upward academic trajectory is built on curiosity, preparation, and perseverance. She admits to being pleasantly surprised by her SAT results but emphasizes that success was never left to chance. Her advice to other students is practical and heartfelt: “Prepare in many ways—watch YouTube walkthroughs, take the Pre-SATs to get familiar with the questions, and most importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. That’s how you move forward.”
The LBD Experience
Since Grade 7, Misimi has displayed a profound interest in STEM, participating in science fairs and embracing every opportunity to innovate. Her excitement for the Leadership by Design (LBD) Pursue STEM program, presented by University of Toronto, was palpable. Resourceful and determined, she used an Arduino robotics kit from Pursue STEM to develop a prosthetic device for her 2023 project at the Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair in Hamilton, Ontario.
Her hard work paid off: Misimi won a silver prize and earned a place at the Canada-Wide Science Fair at the University of New Brunswick in Fredericton. Competing among 500 students, she presented a more affordable prosthetic option—demonstrating her drive to solve real-world problems and her keen interest in both medicine and engineering.
Perspectives and Advice:
Q: Why do you think it’s important for Black students and women to be more involved in STEM?
A: Misimi reflects on the importance of diversity in STEM: “In my biology, physics, and chemistry classes, I’m often the only Black person, let alone Black female. It’s crucial to have representation. I didn’t realize its impact until I joined Pursue STEM, where everyone was Black. We need more exposure and opportunities in STEM for students from all backgrounds.”
Q: What do you like about the Pursue STEM experience?
A: “I love the smaller environment and the dedicated support,” Misimi shares. “We get to explore different areas of science in the University of Toronto’s labs. One highlight was an astronomy workshop, where we had the chance to observe space through a powerful telescope—a truly unique experience.”
Q: What’s one word you would use to describe LBD, and why?
A: When asked to describe the Leadership by Design program in one word, Misimi chooses ‘multifaceted’. “With so many professors and professionals visiting, we discuss a wide range of topics—from food waste and politics to technology and more. It’s eye-opening to see how science connects to society in so many ways.”
Q: Describe your study routine
A: Misimi’s routine is systematic and effective: “I use Quizlet for everything. As I type up notes, I’m already reviewing the material and saying it aloud. Before tests in chemistry, physics, and math, I rewrite the entire unit by hand. It helps me understand and retain information.”
Q: How did the Leadership by Design program strengthen your leadership skills?
A: A standout moment for Misimi was a session in which Wes Hall, Canadian businessman and CBC’s Dragons’ Den investor, was a guest speaker at a Leadership by Design meeting. Before Mr. Hall’s presentation, a documentary of his life was screened. “Watching his documentary and hearing about his resilience taught me not to take ‘no’ for an answer. I’ve learned to keep trying, no matter what.”
Words of Wisdom
Misimi offers simple, yet powerful advice: “There’s no shame in asking questions. If you don’t ask for help, you won’t get ahead. Nobody knows everything.” Her dedication and self-awareness are an inspiration to her peers.
Her journey serves as a testament to what can be achieved through passion, preparation, and the courage to ask for support. The Leadership by Design community celebrates Misimi Sanni—a student whose story encourages us all to reach for new heights.
September 2025 Update:
In autumn 2025, Misimi Sanni began the 2nd year of her studies at Princeton University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Engineering, majoring in Electrical and Computer Engineering, with minors in Statistics & Machine Learning and Bioengineering. In her first year, she was elected President of the Class of 2028.
Danielle Reid, LLI Intern, December 2023 – May 2024
Bachelor’s degree, Journalism 2020 – 2024, Toronto Metropolitan University
Story updated September 2025
