IODE Labrador Bursary Recipients
The IODE Labrador Bursary Fund began in 1982 when IODE members initiated a capital fund for the purpose of granting bursaries to eager, bright coastal high school students accepted at community college, university, technical or vocational schools.
Recipients for 2019/2020
Alliah AlvarezMy name is Alliah Alvarez and am 20 years old. I immigrated from the Philippines to Goose Bay, NL five years ago. This dramatic change influenced me as well as my perspectives on life. To earn money for university and school expenses, I worked multiple jobs for three years as a server, front desk receptionist, cashier, and housekeeping. In 2018, I graduated as an honor student at Mealy Mountain Collegiate and started my university life at Memorial University. I was accepted at both MUN’s engineering and the business faculty and I chose the latter. I enrolled in their Bachelor of Commerce (Co-op) program and I am now an incoming third year student. Because of the workload in school and also the challenges of living alone, I do not work when in school. However, during winter 2020’s semester I had the opportunity to work as a teaching assistant wherein I grade assignments and help students with the course. Aside from taking business courses for my major, I am also taking political science courses for my minor. During my first year in MUN, I was included in the Faculty of Business Administration Dean's List 2018-19.
|
For now, my education goal is to finish my undergrad with a major in accounting and a minor in political science. However, I do not intend on just graduating, I aim to maintain a good academic standing and hopefully manage to be on the Dean’s list every school year. Aside from the awards related to high grades, I strive for it as it allows me to get financial help through scholarships and bursaries which lessen my financial worries and allow me to focus more on my studies.
After completing my undergrad, I plan on becoming a professional accountant (CPA). While working, I hope to study law part time or full time if possible. I plan to focus on taxation as it is the closest to my undergrad as well as on criminal law because I find it challenging and interesting. However, my career and life goals are not just personal. After my undergrad, my goals include my family. I hope to be established and earn enough to help my brothers financially when they go to university; I know that it is expensive. I plan to support their goals and lessen the financial burden for my parents. In the future, I would like to open my own accounting and/or law firm. I want to help other students as well by giving scholarships and bursaries because I know how beneficial they are; these financial supports available to students can be the difference between graduating and quitting university.
I am most grateful for my parents. Without their hard work and sacrifices, I would not be where I am right now. Both of them sacrificed greatly in order to establish their
careers and provide a better life for us. My father immigrated 10 years ago and had to live away from us while my mom worked night shifts to make ends meet. Even when we came to Canada, they work double shifts and do extra work. They have inspired me to push harder, dream bigger, and to never give up especially in my studies. According to my parents, knowledge is the only treasure no one can steal from me.
After completing my undergrad, I plan on becoming a professional accountant (CPA). While working, I hope to study law part time or full time if possible. I plan to focus on taxation as it is the closest to my undergrad as well as on criminal law because I find it challenging and interesting. However, my career and life goals are not just personal. After my undergrad, my goals include my family. I hope to be established and earn enough to help my brothers financially when they go to university; I know that it is expensive. I plan to support their goals and lessen the financial burden for my parents. In the future, I would like to open my own accounting and/or law firm. I want to help other students as well by giving scholarships and bursaries because I know how beneficial they are; these financial supports available to students can be the difference between graduating and quitting university.
I am most grateful for my parents. Without their hard work and sacrifices, I would not be where I am right now. Both of them sacrificed greatly in order to establish their
careers and provide a better life for us. My father immigrated 10 years ago and had to live away from us while my mom worked night shifts to make ends meet. Even when we came to Canada, they work double shifts and do extra work. They have inspired me to push harder, dream bigger, and to never give up especially in my studies. According to my parents, knowledge is the only treasure no one can steal from me.
Ashley Dingwell
I grew up in Labrador with a great passion for the stage and I love to perform. My entire life has been filled with acting, dancing, singing, and public speaking. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in the performing arts in my final year of high school. I am studying Theatre at Memorial University, where I’ve had the opportunity to work closely with many talented artists and professors. I am thrilled with the opportunities that have been available to me during my first year of university, it is privilege to be able to study something I love.
Outside of theatre, I am very passionate about feminism and the environment. I will continue the Fine Arts program in order to be able to support the type of theatre that involves these topics! It is very important to me that I use any platform available to promote theatre involving these important issues. |
I am the first in my family to take an artistic career path. My parents have whole heartedly supported me in all aspects of my artistic life. I am very grateful for my biggest fan, my grandma. She has always encouraged me to take big leaps and shoot for the stars. I can always count on her applause from the audience and a big hug after every show. I am extremely thankful to have such an amazing woman cheering me on. She has definitely had a great hand in all successes I have achieved.
I am grateful to be able to continue my education at Memorial University. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the IODE Labrador Bursary, which was especially helpful in
relieving financial stress, and allows me to continue to explore and learn how to succeed in a career I adore. Thank you, IODE Canada!
I am grateful to be able to continue my education at Memorial University. I was fortunate to be a recipient of the IODE Labrador Bursary, which was especially helpful in
relieving financial stress, and allows me to continue to explore and learn how to succeed in a career I adore. Thank you, IODE Canada!
Tyler FrenchI grew up in beautiful L’anse au Loup, Labrador, graduating from Labrador Straits Academy in 2017. I am currently in my final year of my BSc, majoring in Biology at Memorial University in St. John’s, Newfoundland. My minor is Mathematics. I’m living near campus with my younger brother and my cousin.
My lifetime interests have included fishing, hockey, basketball and music. This year I am focusing my time on studying and reading; I have been preparing for my Medical College Admission Test (MCAT) exams for medical school. It was my first biology class in high school that hooked me on genetics and the study of the nervous system. I love to read science textbooks for fun. I am a firm believer in lifelong learning and look forward to future advancements in the fields of Science and Medicine. |
I have been inspired and encouraged by my parents to work hard, focus, and plan for the future. After medical school, I will be considering my options to specialize in Neurology or open a private medical practice. I am grateful for the support from the IODE Labrador Bursary as a part time job isn’t an option during the school year.
|
Alisa Sainsbury
I was born and raised in the community of Cartwright, Labrador. I completed my undergraduate bioveterinary science degree and a certificate in cellular biology and
genetics at Dalhousie University. I enjoyed attending the agricultural campus in Truro because of the smaller class size and the ability for hands on learning experiences. I was drawn to this field of study because I always had a passion for animals and a great interest in science. In high school, my principal and a teacher recognized my passion, aiding in the search of this program. I have met great people and learned so much, such as maintaining sustainable agricultural and animal anatomy. I plan to take the Medical Laboratory Technician program at the College of the North Atlantic. One day I hope to have an amazing career in the sciences and maintain a self-sustainable lifestyle by growing vegetables and raising livestock. |
In my immediate family I am the first to complete a university degree. Therefore, adventuring out of my small province was a big step for me and my family. Fortunately, they supported me every step of the way and I truly believe I could not have succeeded without them. They always cheer me on, I am truly grateful for the people in my life!