Jay

Jay Single spends his days helping people with mental illness to live "as best they can" in their home community of New Westminster. As a mental health nurse with Fraser Health, he is putting into practice the knowledge he acquired for his Psychiatric Nursing Diploma at Douglas College. And now, thanks to a bursary, Jay is able to continue at Douglas College and work towards his Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychiatric Nursing.

The Coquitlam resident says the smaller classrooms and more intimate learning environment at Douglas, coupled with clinical experience, have given him the skills and knowledge he needs to work effectively in mental health. And bursaries have meant that he can juggle work and school. "I couldn't do it otherwise, it's been so helpful."

Samantha

Samantha P. was born into a First Nations family but adopted by a Caucasian one. She graduated from high school in Coquitlam and spent 22 years as a hairdresser. During that time, she was in an abusive marriage and taking drugs to cope. She says she finally found the courage to get divorced and start a new life and has been clean for nearly four years. She discovered a passion for helping others while volunteering at a care facility and dreamed of becoming a care aide. She enrolled in the Health Care Support Worker Program at Douglas College and qualified for a bursary. "I am extremely focused and doing very well in my classes. I hope to... work in a career where I can make a difference. I'm so very grateful to have this opportunity to go to school. I am full of thanks to the people who donate to Douglas College and help students reach their full potential."

Sureet

Sureet R. is in her first year of the Future Teachers Program at Douglas College and hopes to become an elementary school teacher. She finds it difficult to study full-time and work and says "your bursary helps me lighten the burden of paying for school. The bursaries that you provide encourage many students like me to pursue and ultimately achieve our career goals."