Aldergrove Star Repost: Scholarships help with Langley students’ post-secondary dreams
ALDERGROVE STAR — Shara Sherwan Azad had to read the email from the Beedie Luminaries Foundation over and over to make sure she was really a scholarship winner.
The 18-year-old Langley Secondary grad, who hopes to become a dentist, is one of six local students chosen by the B.C. foundation to receive SHINE Awards (Soaring Higher IN Education). The Langley Advance Times reached out to the six and included those who responded.
“It helps immensely with my goal of becoming a dentist takes multiple years to complete,” she explained. “Getting the SHINE award made it seem like it was possible for me without going into immense debt which truly makes me want to push myself harder to achieve my goal knowing that I have the Beedie Luminaries team right behind me.”
R.E. Mountain Secondary student Emil Hung, 17, who attended the school’s International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program will head to the University of British Columbia, going for a degree in biology, cellular anatomy, or physiological sciences as a first step to medical school.
He called the Beedie “life-changing.”
“It allows me to focus more fully on my education while taking advantage of experiences like volunteering, research, internships, and community involvement without the financial pressures,” Hung said.
He was “absolutely ecstatic” to be a recipient.
“As a first-generation immigrant to Canada, starting over in a new country came with so many uncertainties, hence, receiving this support gave me the confidence that I belong, the motivation to continue advocating for my passions, and to give back to others whenever I can,” Hung said.
Daniella Willson also attended R.E. Mountain and did her final year of high school online. Her plan is to get a bachelor in psychology.
“Receiving the SHINE Award has had a significant impact on my plans. The financial support will allow me to focus more on my education and reduce the stress of paying for university. It has also given me confidence in pursuing my goal of getting a bachelor’s degree and helping others,” the 18-year-old said.
