A $1,000 OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship is moving Heather Girardin one step closer to her dream of becoming a registered practical nurse (RPN).
Heather, who lives in London, Ont., is using the scholarship to help finance her first year at Fanshawe College, where she will be taking the general arts and science certificate program. After completing that program, Heather plans to pursue Fanshawe’s practical nursing course in September 2015. Once she completes that course Heather will be qualified as an RPN.
Heather, who is living with epilepsy, says the scholarship is important to single-income providers like herself so they can reach their career goals. The scholarships, the mother of two adds, help minimize student debt.
On top of this, Heather, 24, is dedicated and driven, and once she sets her sights on a goal she doesn’t relent.
“I am a hard-working, dedicated individual who reaches for the highest stars,” Heather says. “I don’t give up (or) let things hold me back. I push myself to do my best and overcome the challenges that would stand in my way.”
Amanda Reil has known Heather for about 10 years. She has seen Heather overcome the obstacles that come with living with a seizure disorder. Her determination is outstanding, Amanda says.
“She is the type of person who will not take ‘no’ as an answer,” Amanda writes in a letter to Epilepsy Ontario, recommending Heather for a scholarship. “She fights for what she believes is true and right, and doesn’t let anything keep her down. . . .
“The OBCL scholarship would go a long way toward helping Heather achieve what she wants, and I could not think of anyone more worthy of accepting it.”
The OBCL Epilepsy Scholarship Awards were presented June 13 to six students in the province this year.
OBCL has been supporting students with epilepsy through the scholarship awards since 2006. Every year, up to 10 Ontario students win a $1,000 scholarship for post-secondary education. As part of their application package, students must submit a personal essay under that year’s theme.
Writer: Deron Hamel
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