So many students talk themselves out of even applying for scholarships because winning feels so unlikely. But it’s worth remembering that real students like yourself are winning these awards. We talked to Larissa Kabeya, recent (real!) scholarship winner of the 2023 $1,000 Ontario College Scholarship from Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario. A winner who couldn’t even believe it herself, so much so that she even reached out to us through a web form to confirm. Good news for Larissa, it was real!
Tell us a little about yourself.
I am someone that always enjoyed all things creative and one of my biggest passions is to write stories. The program that I am going to be enrolled in September 2023 is the Interaction Design program offered by Sheridan College. I had heard about it in 2012 when I was in the process of doing my first degree but did not know enough about it to take the plunge and pursue it. Fast forward years later, I have decided to go back to school for an Honours Bachelor’s Degree in Interaction Design.
How did you hear about the contest?
I heard about this contest because I was signed up to a bunch of scholarship websites and I participated in the first Canada’s Luckiest Student contest. Since I knew I wanted to go back to school for this program I decided to take my scholarship hunting seriously again in hopes to alleviate the financial costs.
What was your reaction when you found out that you won?
I was so excited, I was beside myself. The timing could not have been more perfect because I was mentally planning out how I was going to finance my studies. My goal this go-round is to graduate with a degree debt free.
This contest had opportunities to earn extra entries by entering codes hidden in our newsletters and social media. Did you enter any of those codes?
I definitely entered as many codes as I could find but I wasn’t super diligent (there are probably many that I have missed) but as they say, you only need at least 1 entry.
How do you plan to use this scholarship?
I am putting this money aside and using it towards my tuition.
What are you most looking forward to in your program?
I look forward to making connections, being involved in project competitions and overall seeing the direct impact that my studies have in solving design problems.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I see myself being fulfilled in my personal life as I am in my career, which for me is to be married, own my own home and have a fulfilling Design Career. I also hope that my side hustle becomes financially viable and opens additional opportunities. I would also want to pay it forward and create scholarships to help design students fund their education.
What’s one fun fact about yourself that you’d like to share?
A fun fact about me is that when I was 4th grade I initially believed that J.K Rowling did not write the Harry Potter series and I was dead set on finding out who did and letting the world know she was a fraud lol. I no longer believe that of course.
Thanks to Larissa for sharing her story. Hopefully, it encourages you to take a shot at an award for yourself. Who knows, maybe you’ll be our next success story…