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Some leaders grow into their purpose slowly.
Others, like first-year Huron University student Tyra Kabugo, seem to be guided by a question so powerful that it propels them forward long before the purpose becomes clear to them. For Tyra, that question has always been “why?” And in many of the spaces she has entered, another question quickly follows: “Why not?”

Born in Uganda, Tyra describes curiosity as her greatest strength and the force behind her insatiable thirst for meaning. As a child, Tyra was never satisfied with easy explanations. If something did not make sense, she pursued it. If a norm felt unfair, she challenged it. And if someone told her “that is just how things are,” she immediately began searching for the reasons behind the limitation and imagining what could be possible if those limitations were removed.

Asking Why: The Beginning of a Purpose

Tyra grew up questioning the unwritten rules of her community, especially those surrounding gender expectations and social inequalities. By high school, Tyra was delving into sociology, economics and human rights, attempting to trace the origins of her questions back to their roots. But instead of finding simple answers, she found complexity. As a teenager, writing became the place where she could safely explore these questions, a space where her insatiable curiosity started to collide with her emerging sense of justice. The more she learned, the deeper her questions became, and the more complex the answers needed to be to satisfy her. “Why can’t I talk to the man three doors down?” turned into “Why do certain groups remain marginalized?” and grew to “Why are inequities so persistent?” And ultimately: what systems shape these realities?
This, rather than discouraging her, strengthened her commitment to understanding global issues through multiple lenses.

Why Huron?

When Tyra began exploring life after high school, she approached the process the way she approaches everything: with openness, curiosity and a willingness to ask “why (not?)”. She participated in a program called “Tilting Futures” where young people from around the world come together with skills and networks to solve pressing global challenges. This focus on building networks helped Tyra discover that the answers to her “why”s may not live in textbooks, but rather in gaining skills, building networks, and being open to new opportunities; even when the paths these would forge were unclear. When looking into different opportunities, rejections did not discourage her; she viewed them as helpful redirections, reminders to focus on doors that were still open. Through this focus on opportunities and networking, she connected with Second Chance, an organization that helps exceptional students secure full scholarships to higher education.

With generous support from The Galen and Hilary Weston Foundation, Tyra was able to follow her curiosities to Canada as one of Huron’s first “Weston Scholars”, where she continues to pursue answers to some of life’s most perplexing questions. Tyra makes it clear that choosing Huron, however, was not a random stroke of luck. Through her experience with SoarAway, an experiential youth leadership initiative in Africa, she learned the importance of engaging with the past while contributing to a shared future, and she saw another way to channel her drive: not just toward personal growth, but into leadership and service for others. Huron’s values-based education, commitment to community and focus on developing Leaders with Heart aligned perfectly with her experience here, and the belief that learning should challenge assumptions and inspire change. The liberal arts model offered exactly what she wanted: the freedom to explore her questions from every angle, with teachers encouraging students to keep asking “why”!

From Polite Strangers to a Caring Community

Landing in Canada brought its own set of discoveries. Tyra laughs about how stereotypically polite Canadians are, always smiling and holding doors. What stood out most, though, was Huron’s dedication to making international students feel at home.

She speaks warmly about the staff, particularly Nicole Kristoff, affectionately known as “Momma K,” whose support, care and welcoming spirit helped make Tyra’s transition much easier. From International Welcome Week to daily check-ins, Tyra found a community ready to help her not only adjust, but thrive without having to change who she is to belong.

Building Leadership from the Ground Up

At Huron, Tyra’s understanding of leadership continues to evolve. She once thought leadership was defined by empathy and structure that allowed for important things to get done, but now sees herself growing into leadership as a builder; someone who brings people together, fosters connections and lays foundations for long-term change. Conversations with fellow young changemakers, including Huron’s own refugee-turned-activist Nhial Deng, helped shape her approach. She began to see that leadership is not about sticking to a single, predetermined path. It is about collecting skills, perspectives and experiences that allow you to build something meaningful. It is about allowing curiosity to lead you somewhere new—and being brave enough to follow it.

Professors at Huron have shown her the power of interdisciplinary thinking. Through their teaching, Tyra sees clearly that everything is connected and that there is no single straight line to success. Removing the pressure to “pick one path” has allowed her to lean fully into her passions, follow her curiosity and let opportunities emerge organically.

Her Message: Don’t Worry, and Keep Asking Why

To younger students, Tyra offers advice grounded in her own journey. “Try not to worry. Worry makes you question your own agency and potential. Instead, chase experiences, conversations and opportunities without rigid expectations. Trust the way life unfolds, but never stop challenging norms by asking why. And when the world tries to tell you no, ask why not?”