Emergency bursary helps future teacher achieve dream of graduating debt free
An unexpected injury left Jayda Konnilla unable to work and uncertain about how she would afford her final year of tuition. But when she needed it most, a donor-supported emergency bursary allowed her to finish her education degree debt-free.
Indigenous student, Jayda Konnilla, had an overwhelmingly positive experience in the education program at UVic. “The professors are amazing at getting us into the classroom, and the hands-on experience is so valuable for my learning,” she says.
Without question, the most difficult thing about Jayda’s studies was affording them.
Throughout her degree, Jayda covered all her educational and personal expenses with her own hard-earned money. She worked part-time jobs during the school year and spent summers working at kids' camps to make ends meet.
“I take a lot of pride in the fact that I’ve been able to pay for my entire education out of pocket. I work hard in the summers, and balance three part-time jobs through the year. I also live at home. All of this, combined, keeps me afloat and provides me with just enough to pay for my tuition and monthly expenses.”
Unexpected adversity
However, last year, the day before her summer camp job started, something unimaginable happened. Jayda injured her ankle severely while hiking.
As Jayda works as support staff and swim instructor, this injury left her unable to work for six months—devastating news for someone who relied on summer job income for the upcoming school year.
“I didn’t have the money saved up and felt stressed about how I would pay for the upcoming semester. I was looking at tapping into student loans, something I had wanted to avoid so I could finish my degree debt-free."
The worry of how she was going to pay tuition weighed heavily on Jayda’s head and heart. Not knowing what to do next, Jayda looked on the student awards and financial aid website and found the Cameron Memorial Trust Bursary.
Receiving these emergency funds brought Jayda to tears. She felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and relief. The support allowed her to focus on healing her ankle and excelling in the final year of her degree, without the distracting worry of financial strain.
“I didn’t have to think about the stress of paying for my school while trying to be a successful student. I was, and still am, so thankful. Maarsii! This is the way to say thank you in Michif, the language traditionally spoken by Métis people.”
What's next for Jayda
Jayda now feels hopeful about beginning her teaching career without loan payments. She loves working with kids and is passionate about making a difference in students' lives.
She recently moved to Ucluelet, BC to teach in as an elementary school teacher, and hopes to someday get her master’s degree in special education. She urges more donors to invest in education students because, “we are educating the future generation.”
A gift to the UVic Pathways to Education Fund provides financial support for students where the need is greatest, bringing them closer to achieving their dreams and goals. Support the Pathways Fund.