Ritu Shah arrived at King’s as a Loran Provincial Award recipient and is graduating with a Bachelor of Science with an honours in neuroscience. In that time, Ritu garnered the most athletic awards in the history of the ACAA. Through her Blue Devils badminton career, she was a four-time ACAA Player of the Year and CCAA All-Canadian, a four-time national medalist and three-time CCAA Player of the Year. In recognition, Ritu’s badminton jersey will be retired and displayed in the King’s Gymnasium.
What drew you to King’s originally?
I was originally drawn to King’s because of the badminton team. I met the athletics department while deciding where to go, and they immediately made me feel so welcome and supported in a way that’s only really possible at a small university with a close-knit community like King’s.
It felt like the best of both worlds—I could take my science courses at Dalhousie while still playing on the King’s badminton team.
What program are you graduating from, and what inspired you to pursue that program?
I’m graduating with a BSc Honours in Neuroscience. I’ve always been fascinated by the brain—it’s the most complex organ, and so much of it is still a mystery. I’ve especially been drawn to topics like neurodegenerative diseases and sleep. During the pandemic, I started reading a lot about these topics. This was something of a special interest to me at the time that slowly developed into something bigger, and I wanted to keep exploring it more seriously.
How did your extracurricular endeavors enhance or shape your experience?
Playing badminton for King’s has probably been the most enjoyable part of my undergrad. All four years, I’ve been surrounded by such incredible teammates, and I’m really lucky to have built such close friendships. Honestly, beyond just my own team, being a King’s athlete overall and getting to connect with athletes from other sports has also been such a special part of my time here. I also sang in the King’s Sunday Choir this past year where I met the most lovely, welcoming group of people. It gave me a different sense of community on campus outside of sports and academics, and I’d highly recommend it!
What’s your top study tip?
Invest in a whiteboard and use it for “brain dumps” while revising for your exams!
What’s your favourite spot on campus?
The main floor of the King’s library.
What’s one thing from your time at King’s that you’re especially proud of?
My badminton jersey retirement. I still can’t believe it’s real! I’m so very grateful for all the people who thought I was worthy of this honour, and for everyone who was a part of this unforgettable King’s badminton journey.
Thinking back to who you were when you received your acceptance letter, what would you tell her?
I would tell her that her four years at King’s are going to be more extraordinary than she can ever imagine. She’s going to meet the most amazing people that genuinely feel like home, and she should try to slow down and savour every minute of her time at King’s because it’s going to go by so fast.
Where do you hope your degree takes you next?
I’ll be starting my first year at Dalhousie Medical School this fall! I’m going in with an open mind, but I think I’m especially drawn to neurology. I have always been fascinated by the brain and how it shapes who we are, and I’d love to work in a specialty where I can combine that interest with patient care.
