Dear Ms. Currie,
My name is Vivian and I am just beginning my fourth year studying history at UVic. I want to express my gratitude for this generous contribution to my education. I am extremely grateful for this award.
Beyond offering financial relief, this award validates my unwavering dedication to my studies. I am exceptionally passionate about my education, and your contribution encourages me to continue this pursuit.
I chose to come to UVic as it offered both a vibrant campus life and a wonderful humanities department. I have found both at UVic and am very grateful to be a part of the community. The university has facilitated my exploration through History, English, Anthropology, Greek and Roman studies, Medieval studies, and French– exceeding all of my expectations. Now, entering my fourth year, I have settled into my passion for history and am joining the Honours program – for which I have the support and generosity of the faculty, community, and scholarship donors to thank.
It is incredibly difficult to select any singular highlight of my education so far, as I have had overwhelmingly positive experiences. One of the many instances occurred when I took my first African history class last year. Before then, I had mainly pursued European history as my area of focus. Upon taking Dr. Alade’s class, my academic trajectory was blown off course in the most wonderful way as I fell in love with reading and researching African history. And although it makes specializing quite a challenge, it has been a joy to discover new streams of passion and interest.
For the past year, I have been a member of the History Undergraduate Body (HUB) as the co-editor of the student-led history journal, the Ascendant Historian. The HUB has fostered a welcoming and inclusive cohort of students, which I am proud to be a part of. Off campus, I enjoy painting and knitting when I’m not reading.
After graduating, I would love to spend some time in France (where my mother was born and where I have spent considerable time growing up) before returning to Canada for my master’s. I would be extremely happy and honoured to complete that degree at UVic, as I am delighted with the department and interested in the programs offered.
I would just like to reiterate my deepest gratitude for this contribution towards my education and passion. It is a wonderful symbol of encouragement and support that I am incredibly appreciative of.
Sincerely,
Vivian Meneley-Brulot