Meet Tammy!
Bachelor of Science student (math major) Tammy Lauritsen
originally enrolled at MSVU in 1998, but moved on in the year 2000 and began
working in the oil and gas industry in Alberta.When the Alberta economy took a downturn, Tammy lost her job. With still no new
job prospects a year later, she faced some challenging times, and a big
decision on the best way forward.
After much reflection, she decided on a new direction: a return to university
to continue her degree in mathematics. And for Tammy, there was one stand-out
destination: Mount Saint Vincent University! Tammy was already familiar with the MSVU campus culture and sense of community.
She recalled fondly the time she’d spent at the University in the late 90s and
the ease with which she was able to build relationships with her professors.
She also looked forward to renewing her love of math and science.
Still, before returning to MSVU, Tammy had to overcome one big problem. Her
prior financial challenges meant she was ineligible for government-sponsored
student loans, and having been out of work for some time, she lacked the means
to pay for tuition, books, and living expenses.
Fortunately, generous MSVU donors were there to offer Tammy
a much-needed lifeline!
Tammy applied for funding via the Sisters of Charity Endowed
Scholarship, one of the many scholarships, bursaries, and awards available to
MSVU students in need. The scholarship enabled Tammy to pursue her dream of
returning to MSVU. And since returning, she has become a valued member of the
University community.
Motivated at first by a need to support herself, Tammy took
a teaching assistant job on campus that has evolved into something more. She
notes how her MSVU experiences have shaped her future and enabled her to
nurture others: “It was through my TA job that I discovered I love to teach –
and I plan to continue after I graduate. I love that I’m able to help so many
people be successful, even in the courses they struggle with.”
And although the Sisters of Charity,
the MSVU campus community, and our generous donors were pivotal in helping
Tammy on the path to success, the true hero in this story of perseverance and
commitment is Tammy herself.
“As horrible as it was to have my life
turned upside down, I am grateful for it because I am now doing what I love. If
it wasn’t for the scholarships and bursaries I received from MSVU, I would not
be graduating next spring.”
Support an MSVU student today!