In this inspiring episode of EmpowerED, we sit down with Samindra Piyarathna, a Grade 11 student who's already making waves in the world of technology and entrepreneurship! We delve into Samindra's journey, from her early passion for website design at age 5 using Google Sites, to mastering HTML, CSS, and Python through Zebra Robotics.

Discover how at just 11 years old, Samindra built her first website for an urban Buddhist monk, showcasing her "I can do this" attitude fueled by her supportive mother. We explore her participation in the Summer Company program, where she not only received a crucial grant to kickstart her ventures but also gained invaluable knowledge in bookkeeping, copyright, and marketing.

Samindra shares her experiences with the challenges of putting herself out there, the "roller coaster" of entrepreneurship, and the importance of embracing mistakes as learning opportunities – a lesson reinforced by her physics teacher. Hear about the vital support she received from Steph and Mr. Don Born, who encouraged her to step outside her comfort zone. We also discuss the unique value of learning from professionals actively working in their fields, offering a different perspective compared to traditional classroom learning. Samindra highlights the practical application and the deeper layers of knowledge gained from these real-world experts.

Finally, Samindra offers powerful advice to parents, educators, and fellow students on fostering empowerment, embracing mistakes, and the importance of self-belief and perseverance. This episode is a testament to the power of curiosity, support, and a "let's try this" mindset in shaping a bright future.