Troop 17 Scholarship

Winning the Troop 17 Scholarship means to me that the RCMP recognizes all the efforts made within the l'Association des Noirs (ADN) that I created with other students and the support of the Student Association of Cégep de Sherbrooke to combat harassment to create a more united community. In my opinion, the most effective way to fight bullying is primarily to build connections within the community to break down the barriers that might prevent us from living in harmony. This is the primary mission of the ADN; through socialization and awareness activities, the ADN is an essential resource for Black students and other students from or not from visible minorities to create bridges. Receiving this scholarship thus encourages me to continue implementing initiatives to combat harassment and prevent bullying.

I am incredibly grateful and honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Troop 17 Scholarship. Having developed an academic program in education specifically designed to foster inclusivity, generate empathy, and promote community, this scholarship will support my increased learning in the field of education, where my aim is to continue uniting individuals and communities in a spirit of support, compassion and love.

I am genuinely honoured to be recognized with the Troop 17 Scholarship. Growing up in a community that still struggles with mental health acceptance, I know firsthand the psychological cartwheels that are associated with it. That's why I took it upon myself to establish a mental health initiative and grassroots organization to help those who are struggling just as I once was. Breaking the negative stigmas through blogs, workshops, and co-authoring a children's book to spread awareness is just the beginning of my work. Let us all continue to spread awareness and uplift future generations to feel more comfortable, walking confidently on the ground we've paved by shattering the glass before them.

Teaching the importance of living with empathy has been the focal point of my actions and guided my journey of healing from being severely bullied throughout high school. Instead of retaliating or passing my pain onwards, I took measures to break the cycle and acted with compassion towards my bullies and community… Though I have made much good come out from my experiences, I struggled to find safety in my community as the situation was often handled without compassion. This scholarship, however, now brings me a priceless sense of validation and empowerment as I truly feel as though this committee has seen my efforts to turn my pain into something constructive… I am immensely grateful for their investment in me, and I will only use it to pass this generosity forward! Being recognised for such a personal issue is completely beautiful and has truly touched me.

Winning the Troop 17 Scholarship is an incredible honour because it recognizes the importance of being a positive leader in the community. Whether advocating for women and girls in sport or leading the Tigers Read children's literacy program, I've noticed how mentorship and positive role models can give children confidence and a sense of belonging. As a student-athlete at Dalhousie University, I recognize how privileged we are, and I believe it's important to use that platform to inspire the younger generation. In a world where you can be anything, be kind.