This Year’s Distinguished Alumni: Jatin Shory ’09

by Kamryn Collins ‘24

Jatin Shory ‘09 is an immigration lawyer for Shory Law LLC. Partnering with his family, they work to ensure that their clients are well-represented and supported during difficult times. While his work is profound, there is much more to Jatin than meets the eye. 

During his time at Rundle College, Jatin was always committed to doing well in school. He says he feels incredibly privileged to have had access to the “top-tier educators” that Rundle has to offer. He gives credit to the teachers who are committed to students’ successes, and who offer help with navigating the confusing times in high school.

He recalls the trip to Africa to be one of his fondest memories during his years at the school, as he gained perspective through the humanitarian work the students completed on the trip. Outside of Rundle, he volunteered for several not-for-profit organizations, and is now a board member of the Calgary Bridge Foundation for the Youth, proving his passion for helping others. 

When speaking to Jatin, it is clear that he lives life doing what he loves. While being an immigration lawyer is very intense work, he notes that when he can bring families together, it is truly the most rewarding experience, and “it puts things into perspective.”

With a psychologically demanding job, Jatin has learned how to manage it through discipline and building good habits. He openly expresses that he sees a therapist to assist him in managing his life both in and outside of his work. He mentions that he recommends his clients to seek out mental health support, as it is often necessary in an emotionally taxing environment.

What stuck with me the most during my conversation with Jatin was when he talked about “building discipline.” It is such simple advice, yet feels simultaneously convoluted. Discipline follows you everywhere, whether it is academically, personally, or socially. His advice to those in high school is to develop strong disciplinary habits. By building those habits at a young age, they will only grow stronger as you continue on to the next stages of your career, he says. 

He also stresses to those in high school that it is OK to not know what you want to pursue. Although successful in his career now, Jatin states that he was unsure about his future until his final year of undergrad. Taking a gap year or switching majors is not the end of the world, but the beginning of pursuing another interest. 

With his experience in mentorship, Jatin suggests that in order to establish relationships with mentors, reaching out is necessary. He continuously expresses to not be afraid to ask questions, to meet with people, and most importantly, “the key is in the follow-up.” Showing that you are eager and committed to understanding something demonstrates who you are as a person, and will help you stand out against others. 

Being given the opportunity to speak with Jatin, the recipient of Rundle’s 2024 Distinguished Alumni Award, is priceless. He is a remarkable individual, with a kind heart and exceptional motivation. After our conversation, I can confidently say that I learned many valuable lessons and appreciate the words he had to offer. Finally, he credits Mr. Goettel and Dr. Rogers for their fantastic work keeping the Rundle alumni connected to what the school is today.