Sri Lankan-born NHL scholar Prasanthan Aruchunan says his mother was a role model in the pursuit of success in Canada. Aruchunan who is 17-year-old high school student says his mother held multiple jobs to support him and his sister when they first arrived in Toronto, Canada 10 years ago.
He made history as the first student in Ontario to receive the National Hockey League (NHL) scholarship from the Thurgood Marshall College Fund.
Prasanthan Aruchunan, 17, from Toronto has clinched a historic NHL scholarship. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
Prasanthan is incredibly smart. He has obtained an outstanding 94% academic average in his Grade 12 year. With his talent and dedication, he has been accepted to both aerospace and mechanical engineering degree programs commencing in the Fall of 2016. The NHL/Thurgood Marshall Scholarship is vital to bring these academic opportunities to life.
Born in Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, Aruchunan arrived in Canada with his mother and sister, his father joined them in the country later.
“My parents were happy for me, proud of me. We grew in very tough conditions and seeing me succeed and win the scholarship is big for me,” he said in an interview with lankareporter.com
Prasanthan Aruchunan, 17, from Toronto has clinched a historic NHL scholarship. (Picture by Mahesh Abeyewardene)
“My mom had to work hard, she worked two jobs and always wanted to get the best for us. She is my role model.”
In many parts of the world, Sri Lankan families have succeed under tough conditions as newcomers. Aruchunan says he understands the expectations, yet has his own path planned.
“There is a bit of pressure, if you come from Sri Lankan family. Everyone expects you to be on top, they have high expectations for you. On the other hand I have straight path, I know what have to do in the future. It’s what I feel what is right matters in the end.”
