Olivia Adams - BSc Nursing indigenous student at Lakehead University
Dear Liz Bosma & Rotary Indigenous Professional Development Bursary Committee,
I am extremely honoured and grateful to receive the IPPC Bursary for the 2021-2022 year. Thank you for your generosity and support towards my education and career. This bursary, to me signifies the opening of doors, more opportunities, that I would not have been able to consider previously without this financial support. I am deeply appreciative of the Wellington Rotary Club, thank you.
I decided to attend Lakehead University for a variety of reasons such as location, opportunity, and cost. Firstly, Lakehead University offers amazing bursary/scholarship opportunities throughout schooling each year, like this one! Secondly, I love the landscape that is throughout Thunder Bay, being able to attend class and explore the trails, water, and animals is a true privilege I adore that Lakehead University is able to offer. Just yesterday I saw a fox and deer on campus! Furthermore, Lakehead University is one of the few schools that offer nursing students a placement during their first-year of schooling. Additionally, the close relationship with the community provides its opportunities as well.
I am incredibly thankful to be the recipient of the IPPC Bursary for the 2021-2022 year and for the generosity towards supporting my nursing education and career, thank you.
Sincerely,
Olivia Adams
Jared Visitor - Bachelors of Arts and Bachelor of Education indigenous student at Lakehead University
My name is Jared Visitor. I am currently in my first year of the Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Bachelor of Education dual degree program at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay, Ontario. I am writing this letter to accompany my application for the Indigenous Professional Development Bursary that the Rotary Club of Belleville is offering.
My main goal career-wise is to work as a Primary Teacher in northern communities in Canada. Specifically, I would like to work with students with special needs in Indigenous communities in Canada’s north. This goal has been developed through my experience working with Indigenous students as both an Educator and Teacher’s Assistant in remote northern communities in Quebec and Ontario. My time as an Educator at Joy Ottereyes Rainbow Memorial School in Wemindji, Quebec showed me the need for educational staff that understands the challenges that come with growing up in a remote northern community. This experience also showed me the incredible need of qualified and driven special education teachers in remote northern communities. Additionally, my time as a Teacher’s Assistant at the Moose Factory Academy of Christian Education showed me the challenges that come with educating in remote northern communities as Moose Factory is an island without year-round road access. These experiences also instilled in me the lasting effect that educators can have on students, who are our next generation
I have volunteered with several organizations in Thunder Bay while pursuing my studies. The New Hope Youth Center gave me the opportunity to work with Indigenous youth in the city of Thunder Bay. I volunteered as a Youth Worker which came with the duties of youth supervision, center maintenance, youth communication and the creation of a safe space. The youth center seeks to provide youth with a safe space to come together, seek mentorship, and participate in many positive recreational activities. Additionally, I have volunteered with the Urban Abbey which provides several services to the community of Thunder Bay such as a soup kitchen, housing for those in need, and outreach. These experiences have strengthened my desire to work with Indigenous youth through education and mentorship.
This bursary will support me in building upon my past and current experiences towards my goal of working with Indigneous students with special needs in remote northern communities in Canada. With this financial support, I will be able to focus on my studies and gain the most out of my program as well as, pursue further opportunities to work with Indigenous youth. I will feel supported emotionally and mentally with the lightening of financial stresses that come with the pursuit of post-secondary education.
Sincerely,
Jared Visitor