Students Tell Their Stories
Anyone who gives a scholarship, award or bursary likely gets the most immediate appreciation from a Lakeland College student. Every donor is invited to an annual banquet where they meet their recipient(s) and get to know about them.Some of that financial aid allows someone to stay in school--a very pressing need. Staying in school means a lot not just to the individual, but to society on a whole (see the economic impact page for more details).
Here are some examples of how those types of donations have made and are making a difference.
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| A Chance for a Better Life | |
| Scholarship Winner Speaks--Raisa Rybinski | |
 Raisa Rybinski spent 3 years at Lakeland College playing basketball and excelling in her academics. Here's what she told donors and fellow students at the Lloydminster campus awards banquet in March 2011.My name is Raisa Rybinski. I am a third year student in the university transfer program here on the Lloydminster Campus. Tonight I’ve been asked to tell you a little about my experience at Lakeland College, and particularly what it meant to me to receive a scholarship. Going to college is expensive
I grew up in a small town--Kinistino, Saskatchewan--in a family of 8 children. My parents whom I love dearly, though are arguably crazy for having eight children, own and operate a home for the mentally challenged as my aunt is one of the residents. My dad is also a social worker. You can probably guess there’s not a whole lot of money in what my parents do and really no matter what you do, can anyone afford to keep eight children in today’s day and age? So when I was offered a scholarship that would cover my whole tuition, to come and play basketball for Lakeland College, I immediately took it. How many people can say that they get paid to do something that they love to do? Well hopefully all of you can, but to get paid to play basketball, now that’s the life! In my first year of college I was also granted a $,3500 entrance scholarship for maintaining above 95% average in high school. That meant that my first year not only were my classes paid for, but my residence was covered as well. As I continued to work towards my Bachelor of General Studies in the next two years, I worked hard to maintain a 3.5+ average in the classroom, and played my heart out on the court earning position as team captain. I have been awarded both for my academic and athletic achievements and let me tell you, it’s a terrific feeling, having your hard work and dedication acknowledged. My future goals are to finish my Bachelor of General Studies this spring, then, I will be transferring to Brandon University where I will have to trade in my good old green and gold for royal blue and yellow. Scary, but a basketball player has gotta do what a basketball player has gotta do! I will play out my last two years of eligibility as a Bobcat and graduate from Brandon with a Bachelor of Education in Elementary. I gotta tell you though, after spending three years at Lakeland College, it won’t matter what color of jersey I’m wearing, I will continue to ‘bleed green’. In my final words I would like to address the donors as I don’t think they truly realize the impact they have on the lives of the recipients. Students have a lot to worry about between classes, assignments, essays and exams, passing and failing grades. More than all of that, unless Mom and Dad have a healthy bank account, students are burdened with the stress of how they will ever afford the costs of one, or two degrees, a masters, and even doctorates in some cases. Working part time jobs during school and full time jobs in the summer just won’t cut it. Student loans can help you get there but then you end up paying for these loans years and years after graduation day. It is because of your generous support that opportunities are given to students who would not have opportunities otherwise. You give hope to the hopeless, provide encouragement as students strive for success and like Disneyland you help to make dreams come true. On behalf of myself and all the students here this evening, “Thank you. We couldn’t have done it without you.” |
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| Why Awards Matter--a video story from students and donors | |
| Scholarship Winner Speaks--Matthew Wiens | |
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In the spring of 2010, Matthew Wiens spoke on behalf of all award recipients to the donors at the Vermilion Awards Celebration. Here's what he said: "On behalf of the recipients of the numerous awards presented this evening it is my honor to thank the donors of these awards as well as Lakeland College for the impact they have had on my life.  Without the support of these people a large number of hard-working, dedicated students would not be able to do as well as we are in our academics, leadership roles, or personal endeavours. As a student I know the relief that comes from receiving an award. Having less of a financial burden during my time here at Lakeland has allowed me to concentrate more on my studies. Rather than worrying about having enough money to finish the semester I can take full advantage of the incredible education offered here at Lakeland. Personally these awards have saved me from having to find a part-time job which take countless study hours and sleep away from college students. Beyond the classroom these awards have also given me the freedom to pursue learning in less formal settings. As part of the Ag Tour Club I was able to see agriculture in a whole new light down in Belize during reading week. After touring a banana plantation, 800 acres of rice production and a citrus juicing factory, I have gained a much more global perspective of agriculture that extends far past the borders of this campus. That would not have been possible without your support as donors tonight. I have also had the opportunity to participate in student leadership as a member of the Students’ Association and other clubs on campus. These functions require a lot of time and effort which I could not have produced if I was working a part-time job instead. Scholarships, awards and bursaries also produce another effect that I have not mentioned yet. The distinction and recognition gained through this evening are an incredible encouragement to keen, hardworking students. We gain confidence knowing that what we are doing today is already making a difference in the industry we are entering upon graduation. And through that confidence we become even more proficient and motivated at what we do. As an awards recipient I am more motivated to do well and become a contributing leader in my field than ever before. And so, thank you to all of the donors for the opportunities, financial support, and confidence you have built into my fellow recipients and me. You have become a springboard to our success as growing leaders in the industry and given us the freedom to excel."
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| Single Mother Says Thanks | |
