Educating Alma - A Tuition Fund
Donation protected
Hello! My name is Alma Huuskonen, I am sixteen years old, and I would like to share my story.
In November 2015, I began the process of applying to Pearson College UWC.
Pearson College is one of fifteen international United World College schools. Their mission statement is to "make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future". Pearson offers a two-year International Baccalaureate curriculum for grades 12 and 13. It is a boarding school that hosts around 200 students from over 90 countries. Pearson is located just outside Victoria, BC, on the shores of Pedder Bay. New students are selected based on merit, promise, and potential. It has always been a dream of mine to study at Pearson.
The first step was an extensive written application due at the beginning of December. After the long process of writing and rewriting (with support from multiple wonderful people), I finally finished it. Then came the waiting. In February, I was informed that I had been shortlisted. A full day interview was scheduled for mid-March. For the first time, my dream seemed to be within reach!
Finally, interview day rolled around. I was nervous and I had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival, I found the atmosphere to be very friendly and welcoming. What a relief! The day was wonderful, and more rewarding than I expected.
After the interview came the hard part. The last stretch of waiting began, and it was really difficult. The suspense was tangible. I wanted this so badly, and I was so close.
Finally, after about three weeks of waiting, I received an email from Pearson College Admissions.
I got accepted!
I was unable to contain the emotions I felt in this moment. My dream is coming true, I’m going to Pearson!
Even now, I get a surge of excitement every time it crosses my mind. Only three BC students were admitted this year, and I am one of them.
As a home learner for the past six years, I am grateful for the amazing support and education I have received
from my community. It has enabled me to develop a solid foundation and a strong sense of self. Now that I am moving into twelfth grade, I am excited to have the opportunity to study and live with other motivated young people. Attending Pearson College will provide me with the tools I need to further my education. My intention is to become a doctor so that I can help people on a global level by providing disaster relief and emergency care.
This opportunity, as amazing as it is, does not come free. I received a generous scholarship, for which I am very grateful, but even so my family is being asked to pay $10,000 per year in tuition. The money is needed up front before the year begins, and we simply don't have it.
That's where you come in.
Any donation, regardless of amount, is a huge help. I am asking for your support in making my dream a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly cannot express in words how grateful I am. Your support means the world.
Want to know more? You can check out UWC's website here , and Pearson's here.
I will be posting updates to this page regularly.
In November 2015, I began the process of applying to Pearson College UWC.
Pearson College is one of fifteen international United World College schools. Their mission statement is to "make education a force to unite people, nations, and cultures for peace and a sustainable future". Pearson offers a two-year International Baccalaureate curriculum for grades 12 and 13. It is a boarding school that hosts around 200 students from over 90 countries. Pearson is located just outside Victoria, BC, on the shores of Pedder Bay. New students are selected based on merit, promise, and potential. It has always been a dream of mine to study at Pearson.
The first step was an extensive written application due at the beginning of December. After the long process of writing and rewriting (with support from multiple wonderful people), I finally finished it. Then came the waiting. In February, I was informed that I had been shortlisted. A full day interview was scheduled for mid-March. For the first time, my dream seemed to be within reach!
Finally, interview day rolled around. I was nervous and I had no idea what to expect. Upon arrival, I found the atmosphere to be very friendly and welcoming. What a relief! The day was wonderful, and more rewarding than I expected.
After the interview came the hard part. The last stretch of waiting began, and it was really difficult. The suspense was tangible. I wanted this so badly, and I was so close.
Finally, after about three weeks of waiting, I received an email from Pearson College Admissions.
I got accepted!
I was unable to contain the emotions I felt in this moment. My dream is coming true, I’m going to Pearson!
Even now, I get a surge of excitement every time it crosses my mind. Only three BC students were admitted this year, and I am one of them.
As a home learner for the past six years, I am grateful for the amazing support and education I have received
from my community. It has enabled me to develop a solid foundation and a strong sense of self. Now that I am moving into twelfth grade, I am excited to have the opportunity to study and live with other motivated young people. Attending Pearson College will provide me with the tools I need to further my education. My intention is to become a doctor so that I can help people on a global level by providing disaster relief and emergency care.
This opportunity, as amazing as it is, does not come free. I received a generous scholarship, for which I am very grateful, but even so my family is being asked to pay $10,000 per year in tuition. The money is needed up front before the year begins, and we simply don't have it.
That's where you come in.
Any donation, regardless of amount, is a huge help. I am asking for your support in making my dream a reality.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. I truly cannot express in words how grateful I am. Your support means the world.
Want to know more? You can check out UWC's website here , and Pearson's here.
I will be posting updates to this page regularly.
Organizer
Mary Lavelle
Organizer
Powell River, BC
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