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Lifelong Learning Scholarship Success Stories

A relentless effort to look for and create opportunities to succeed

Submitted by columbiainstitute on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 14:00
"I was 24 and working in a decent job with decent pay; however, I recognized the limited potential of the position I was in, being that my entire skill set, experience, and hope rested in this one job. If anything were to happen to take that away, I would be in a compromised position and have limited skills to become hired. I decided to change my situation to make myself more employable, diversify my skills, and finally finish a bachelor’s degree that I was long intending to finish.

Improving one's self to make a positive difference to others

Submitted by columbiainstitute on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 13:59
"Making the decision to go back to school as an adult learner was a difficult one because of financial and other concerns. The Lifelong Learning Award has assisted me to change professions and follow my dream of becoming a Registered Nurse. My interests lie in community health and acute care nursing, and I hope to make a positive difference by promoting health equity and social justice in my practice. Thank you again for helping me to achieve my goal! I would like to thank Columbia Institute for the generous scholarships granted in 2010 and 2011."

She who is willing to do and dare gets to the farthest

Submitted by columbiainstitute on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 13:52
"In 2006 I returned to school to complete my Bachelor of Education Degree, at the age of 36. I had a 10-month old baby and a 3-year old son. Becoming a teacher had been a goal for many years, and I was only 2 years away from achieving this as I already had a Bachelor of Arts degree. Financially, it was a big commitment to step out of the work force for 2 years and to take a leap into a new career of teaching. It was also daunting to study full-time in the challenging field of education with 2 young children, while my husband was working hard to support our family.

When hardwork and perseverance pay off!

Submitted by columbiainstitute on Tue, 11/08/2011 - 13:50
"I had a difficult time making the decision to leave the security of my job and return to school to study full-time. Initially, I returned to school part-time and continued to work and to raise my son as a single-parent. I applied to nursing school at Camosun College after successfully completing a couple of part-time courses and was quickly accepted into full-time study. I was very fortunate to receive assistance from the Columbia Institute and I used the money to help pay my tuition.

Overcoming adversity to pursue her dreams

Submitted by Columbia Instit... on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 12:56
Claire Horwood from Victoria is enrolled in the Environmental Technology program at Camosun College. After being unable to find gainful employment in occupational health, safety and environmental management due to industry specific training, she is returning to school to expand the application of her existing certifications. Claire, 24, has already had to overcome much adversity in the pursuit of her career including a spinal cord injury and workplace discrimination, none of which have prevented her from reaching her education and career goals.    

Knowing her passion and pursuing it with focus and determination

Submitted by Columbia Instit... on Wed, 09/21/2011 - 12:54
Michelle enrolled in a Masters of Education at Simon Fraser University at age 55. With three children to raise, she left her retail business to pursue teaching. Michelle hasn't even let mild cerebral palsy and a fracture in her lower back stop her from reaching her goal. “I refuse to give up on my lifelong learning and my goal of teaching ESL Bridging Program for post-secondary students. The Masters of Education program at SFU would allow me to exercise my creative abilities by designing materials for students based on their individual needs." - Michelle Ikoma -

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