December 8, 2008 - PoCo student receives prestigious national scholarship

A Port Coquitlam student has been duly rewarded for her dedication to the community and her studies.

Alison Inglis won a $4,000 Millennium Scholarship In-course Award. The third-year Bachelor of Science in Nursing student at Douglas College was one of 951 Millennium Scholarship recipients across Canada.

Inglis volunteered in a small rural medical clinic in Ghana, West Africa, last summer, the time when she would normally earn the majority of the money needed for her tuition.

"When I found out I won, it just reinforced that others do recognize the work that I do and that was a great feeling," says Inglis.

Working in Ghana with a fellow nursing student admitting patients, taking their vital signs and giving medications was an eye-opening experience, says Inglis.

"I came back with a much better appreciation for what we have here. I think that my time there made me grateful for the help we can provide here and how important nurses are for those who are sick," says Inglis.

Currently, Inglis, who is a swim instructor and lifeguard, volunteers as a Special Olympic swimming coach. She has also volunteered at Eagle Ridge Manor, helping with entertainment activities for its residents. She also ran the craft table at the annual head-shaving fundraiser, Balding for Dollars. This BC Children's Hospital fundraiser is particularly close to her heart as she was 15 when she lost her younger sister to cancer. 

"My sister's illness was a huge part in my reason for becoming a nurse," says Inglis.

Terry Locket recommended Inglis for the award. She got to know Inglis when she started babysitting her daughters as a teen.

"There isn't a kid I know who is more deserving of that award. She has been such a role model to my two girls," says Lockett.

"I'm a high school teacher. If I could clone her, I would," Lockett laughs.

Inglis hopes to work as a pediatric nurse at BC Children's Hospital in emergency when she graduates.

For more information about this and other scholarship programs at Douglas College visit the Financial Aid Office website at douglascollege.ca/services/financial-aid.

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