Meet Useni Mgeni from the 2021 Cohort of Beedie Luminaries.
A graduating Powell River student has won a $40,000 scholarship to pursue his post-secondary education aspirations.
Useni Mgeni, a grade 12 student at Brooks Secondary School, has won the Beedie Luminaries Scholarship, which recognizes promising BC students who have faced life challenges and adversity with determination and resilience.
Mgeni came to Canada when he was 15. He is originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo; he and family members were sponsored by Hands Across the Water, a Powell River organization.
Mgeni arrived in Powell River in 2018 and started school in grade 10 at Brooks, taking academic courses. It was an adjustment from his schooling in the Congo.
“It was tough at first making friends because, of course, it’s a big change moving from there to here, but after making connections and knowing who to talk to, it became easy,” said Mgeni. “The kids I surrounded myself with were really friendly so it made it easier to adjust.”
His intention is to become a civil engineer. He said he had been thinking about the field of architecture in his career planning.
“I’ve been interested in that field for quite a while,” said Mgeni. “When I grew up and moved here, I realized it was one of the choices I’ve always wanted to go into. When I came here, I thought it might be a great choice for my studies.”
Mgeni said he enjoys studying in the scientific disciplines that will serve as a prerequisite to his career aspirations. He said he tries as hard as he can to complete the homework that needs to be done.
“I keep myself on my toes all of the time,” said Mgeni.
To further his education, Mgeni has applied to Simon Fraser University and a couple of colleges. He hasn’t heard from Simon Fraser yet as they are awaiting transcripts. He has been in touch with Camosun College, trying to find out more about the program he wants to go into.
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