Student testimonials
John Nsabimana with Dr. Sibylle Artz (Child and Youth Care)
From Rwandan refugee to the UN
John Nsabimana (Child and Youth Care) is the recipient of the Nelson Family Bursary for International Students in the Faculty of HSD. John was a Rwandan refugee as a child and plans to pursue a career in Humanitarian Affairs, particularly in the areas of child protection, emergencies and education. He is the Regional Youth representative for the United Nations Children’s Agency and represents Canada at the annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations Headquarters in New York.
"My name is John Nsabimana from Rwanda, a fourth year student at the University of Victoria. I am writing this letter to thank you for your generous support towards my education at the University of Victoria."
"As you may recall what happened in Rwanda 16 years ago, I experienced the Rwandan genocide of 1994 at the age of seven. I escaped death only by walking day and night with my two younger brothers, without the care and guidance of an adult. For over half of my life, I lived in a refugee camp in Uganda. As the eldest it was my responsibility to care for my brothers. My daily life was characterized by food shortages, lack of drinking water and violence. I was unable to envision a future where these basic needs were not the central focus of my life."
"When there was no opportunity for to attend advanced level of secondary education, I received a scholarship to attend Lester B. Pearson United World College in Canada. With the help of the former UN Chief Commander in Rwanda, General Romeo Dallaire, I came to the University of Victoria specifically to study Children’s Rights in the Faculty of Human and Social Development. I believe then, as I do still, that by studying Children’s Rights I would be preparing myself to pursue a career in the United Nations as a means of taking on some of the adversities I experienced as a refugee child. I strongly believe that care and support for refugee children must be of a high priority in refugee camps. It is my hope to provide protection and basic services for anyone who is living in a difficult situation similar to mine."
"My career interests are in Humanitarian Affairs and particularly in the areas of protection, emergencies and education. Additionally, I am currently a Regional Youth Representative for the United Nations Children’s Agency and my role involves supporting the UN Children’s Agency and its efforts to bring resources to vulnerable children. With your support and the University of Victoria, I have had the opportunity to study the work of the United Nations first hand at the UN headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland. This summer, I will be attending the Annual Youth Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York. My dream is to become a UNICEF Field officer so that I can help the most vulnerable children in Africa and particularly my country Rwanda."
"Thank you for your continued support."
More stories
Aharon Arnstein, emergency ward nurse, is the recipient of the James and Phillippa Kerr Scholarship in the School of Nursing. Aharon says "I have always known I wanted to go further in my studies and to work in the field of education and policy. I hope to be able to split my work life so I can teach and maintain my bedside nursing. Your gift will help me to continue my masters courses over the next term and I thank you sincerely."
Jenny Boothman (Nursing) is the winner of the Mobb Medical Ltd. Scholarship in Nursing. Jenny says, "I am enjoying my studies and am very grateful for this financial support. I have many more productive years ahead of me and my desire is to make a valuable contribution to the field of nursing."
Nicholas Buncic - "I am sincerely honoured to be nominated for the Jack Ebbels' Scholarship in the School of Public Administration. I am confident this support will strengthen my ability and resolve to forge a career in water resource management and sustainable development."
Leah Wilson is the recipient of the Joan E. Newton Scholarship in Nursing through the Canadian Federation of University Women. She has been a long time volunteer with Big Brothers and Big Sisters. Leah says, "I am currently starting the final semester in the first year of my Master's Degree in Nursing at the University of Victoria. I am in the Nurse Practitioner option of this degree and after graduation plan to work in the community in primary care. My clinical interest lies in health promotion and disease prevention in women's health, specifically around nutrition, body image and the prevention of eating disorders."
Charlene Harmsworth (Nursing) was one of the recipients of the Thora Duncan Scholarship in Nursing. "It is an honour to receive this scholarship. I plan to work in critical care nursing for a few years and then apply for master’s degree in advanced practice as a nurse practitioner. Thank you so much for supporting me in realizing my dream and for being part of my nursing education!"
Alysha Jones (Nursing) was one of the recipients of the Thora Duncan Scholarship in Nursing. "I am honoured to receive this scholarship, which is indispensible support to me as I finish my Bachelor of Nursing before going on to further studies."
Haley Moore (Health Information Science) was the recipient of the Michael Miller Scholarship. Haley says, "I feel grateful and honoured to have been named a recipient of the Michael Miller Scholarship. I am passionate about the healthcare field and truly believe in the ability of health informatics to improve patient care. Thank you for supporting my education so that I can build the skills and experience I need to pursue a rewarding career."
Raman Mundi (Health Information Science) received the TP Systems Ltd. Graham Powell Memorial Scholarship in Health Information Science. "I have many aspirations for my future and I will always be sure to remember that your contribution served as a stepping stone to my success."
Talia Paramio (Nursing) was one of the recipients of the Thora Duncan Scholarship in Nursing. "I highly recommend applying for any bursary or scholarship. They are worth every minute it takes to fill out a form. Try to look at it like work; would you work two hours for $500 dollars? It’s easy work, for the payoff, and reduces some of the financial burden!"
Colleen Spooner (Child and Youth Care) is the recipient of the Winnifred M. Clark Bursary for undergraduates in the School of Child and Youth Care. "Education, moving, and money all cause stress, but because of my bursary I didn't have to worry as much about the money and could concentrate more on my education and studying to be who I aspire to be."
Jocelyn Rodrigue (Nursing) was winner of the Ultan Patrick Byrne Family Education Bursary Trust Fund. "This award has been of significant assistance in lightening the burden of paying for my tuition. As a single mother of three this bursary motivates me to continue to strive for excellence and upon completion of the nursing program I plan to specialize in emergency room nursing."
Holly Wiebe (Child and Youth Care) won the Clark Bursary. "I am very grateful to have received the Clark Bursary. I am finishing my degree this summer in Child and Youth Care and will be working in the field of youth and mental health. Thank you so much for your generosity."
