Antonia's pathway

Visa complications meant Antonia’s life was full of “ifs” not “whens”, but donors ensured that when Antonia was finally able to enter university, the question of IF she could afford it was replaced by joy and relief. This is Antonia's story, in her words...

A student with long hair and glasses in a white blouse stands on the path leading to the UVic Bob Wright building

"For as long as I can remember, I have dreamt about attending university. It always seemed such a magical place of learning, growing and being immersed in your interests.

My plans did not go as I expected.

I graduated high school in Canada in 2020, but I am from Germany and was not yet a permanent resident. Though I had been accepted to university, my family and I could not afford international tuition. After three years of uncertainty and watching my plans and hard-earned achievements turn to sand before my eyes, I received my permanent residency, which enabled me to finally start university.

I dove right in! I loved all my courses and rediscovered my passion for chemistry and ocean sciences. I ended up receiving four scholarships, which paid for my entire first year. When I got the email letting me know, I felt pure amazement and relief, like a big heavy weight falling off my shoulders.

Receiving these scholarships has given me limitless freedom to explore my interests and dreams.

A student using lab equipment wearing lab coat and safety goggles — At UVic, Antonia has discovered a passion for chemistry and ocean research. She finds it so fun, she feels she could never learn enough. Thankfully, donor funding has meant there's nothing in her way from focusing on her studies 100 per cent.

I am still fascinated by chemical oceanography. My end goal is to do a PhD and conduct independent research, in order to teach at a university. With our world in danger and our ecosystems suffering, it’s more important than ever for scientists to share their knowledge with the public. I wish to do my part and educate as many people as I can about our changing world and how we can help Earth recover.

I am immensely grateful for the generous donations that are helping me achieve my dreams."

"Donating to a student award sets off a chain reaction. It doesn’t just help students afford a few more classes, it helps them start their career and broaden their post-secondary experience, without being immediately impacted by financial constraints." —Antonia Kropp

Pathways to Education Fund

No two journeys are alike, but the UVic Pathways to Education Fund supports students wherever they are on their path and brings them closer to achieving their dreams and goals.

A gift to the UVic Pathways to Education Fund provides direct financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and awards.

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