Hear from the Class of 2017: Getting to know Nicole

My name is Nicole. My birthday is in December, which makes me one of the youngest high school graduates in my year. I have a strong passion for music, helping others, and learning.

Where do you volunteer – what’s your favourite thing about what you do?
Currently, I am a co-op student as a teacher assistant at an elementary school. I learned a lot about my interpersonal skills with children and my ability to teach a diverse set of students at the placement, which has inspired me to work in more positions like this. I love witnessing the growth in the children I work with. As their performance in school improves, they co-operate more in class, and the relations between me and the community strengthens – I feel enlightened to be a part of this transformation.

Why was receiving a Ted Rogers Scholarship special?
I considered receiving the Ted Rogers Scholarship a great feat for me to accomplish in my academic life. I didn’t think that I would be selected for this scholarship, as there had been thousands of other graduating students like me who requested for such aid. I feel deeply honoured and privileged to have this opportunity for not only financial aid but the continuous support from the Children’s Aid Foundation for this moment in my life. I had been anxious about having to become financially independent once aging out of care, but having this extra support reassures me that I can manage better just knowing that I received this scholarship.

Where do you plan on going to school and what will you study?
After high school, I will study music at York University for four years to earn a BA degree.

What are your long-term goals?
I aspire to become a music teacher after post-secondary education. I will study music at York University after high school, which will train me and provide the knowledge required to work in that field. Afterward, I want to enter teachers college to develop my teaching skills for my career.