When Kendra Mattinson embarked on a career in Continuing Care, she was on a good path. Just not the right path for her.
“I really enjoyed the program and everything it had to offer, but once I started working full time, I realized that it wasn’t exactly what I wanted to do,” says Kendra. “I looked through the NSCC website and this program sounded awesome.”
Kendra, already having studied Continuing Care at Cumberland Campus, is now enrolled in the Medical Office Administration program at NSCC Truro Campus. That Continuing Care credential meant that, when she decided to return to NSCC as a full-time student, she was eligible for the Alumni Legacy Award.
She received the entrance award — children or grandchildren of alumni are also eligible — toward her tuition costs.
“It just took a lot of the stress away, which was amazing,” says Kendra. “A lot of people don’t go to college because they don’t have the money. It’s a huge issue.”
It’s an issue Make Way — The Campaign for NSCC aims to address. This $25-million, province-wide fundraising initiative is removing barriers to education for those who will propel Nova Scotia forward.
Through the generosity of donors — Nova Scotian business and community leaders, and people from all walks of life — the Campaign is helping to create a better province for everyone, by supporting student success.
While Make Way is increasing capacity — the number of scholarships, bursaries and other financial aid is rising — the need is great, and only a fraction of students who apply receive help.
For Jacob Pentz, that helping hand came in the form of The Honourable Mayann E. Francis Hope and Inspiration Award, a bursary available each year to students at all NSCC locations across Nova Scotia.
“I was very happy and appreciative to learn that I was selected,” the second-year Business Administration student at NSCC Truro wrote in a letter to the award donor, a former lieutenant-governor for Nova Scotia.
“You have lightened my financial burden, which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school — learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community.”
Meanwhile, Kendra is busy learning about human anatomy, computer programs and medical transcription — skills she’s confident will carry her into a job at a local hospital or doctor’s office, where she will continue to be a contributor to her community.
“I’m really enjoying it. I’m getting great marks and the teachers are awesome,” she says.
Student donor in Truro revels in learning, giving back
Kayla Beck enjoys giving back. It’s what drew her to Enactus — an extracurricular student program that sees those from diverse fields of study working on community projects — and ultimately to becoming a donor to Make Way — The Campaign for NSCC.
“When I found out I could direct my donation, it made it very impactful for me,” says Kayla, an International Business student at the NSCC’s Truro Campus.
The 29-year-old chose to put her $500 donation toward the Urgent Aid Fund, which helps NSCC students across Nova Scotia who are facing unexpected financial challenges and in danger of leaving their program.
It was Kayla’s way of paying it forward.
Earlier, after securing a four-month internship at the Nova Scotia Boatbuilders Association in Halifax, she found herself in dire need because she couldn’t afford to rent a new apartment in the city. Fortunately, Principal Lech Krzywonos made her case at The Rotary Club of Truro, and the organization covered her damage deposit. The Rotarians also loaned her $490 to cover her first month’s rent, telling her not to pay them back, but to pay it forward (she added another $10 to make it an even $500 donation).
“I put it to Urgent Aid because I know there are other students in dire need at my campus,” says Kayla. “Campus staff tried to help me in every way possible, and I am very grateful for that.”
She enjoys giving back through Enactus, one of NSCC’s extraordinary learning opportunities that is also benefitting from Make Way.
“I can see that it’s beneficial to what I’m learning, and I’ve always liked to give back,” says Kayla, who serves as Enactus President at the Truro Campus. This year, Dollars for Scholars — the group’s used text-book consignment business — was a huge success.
“We doubled our numbers and saved our students over $6,980,” says Kayla.
