Skyler Nickerson has a lot of job experience under his belt. At age 24, he has worked as a pizza delivery driver, as a labourer in the Alberta oil sands and as a lobster fisher.
Now a student in Automotive Service and Repair at NSCC Burridge Campus in Yarmouth, Skyler has embraced the daily mix of theory and applied learning. But the ride has not been altogether smooth.
“College is something you have to strive for, and pay for. Some people struggle financially, and I’m one of them,” he says. “I budgeted from my lobstering, but come the end of December, I did not have enough to keep going. I really didn’t know what I was going to do.”
Fortunately, he found out he would be receiving the Quest Auto Supplies Student Advancement Award, one of many scholarships, bursaries and other types of financial support made possible by donors to Make Way — The Campaign for NSCC.
“Honestly, it saved me. It’s the reason I’m still here right now,” says Skyler. “I live by myself, so I pay all of my bills myself. I live in Barrington Passage, so it’s an hour’s drive each way, meaning costs for car and gas.”
Through the generosity of donors, partners and supporters, Make Way is opening doors to an NSCC education and enhancing learning for students like Makayla Uhlman at Lunenburg Campus.
Makayla has always been involved in her school and community, but with her NSCC education, she looks forward to amplifying that contribution.
“Focusing on my education is very important to me because I am passionate about my career choice and I am looking forward to graduating so that I can begin to help real people in our community,” says Makayla, who will complete her two-year Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant studies in June.
She’s getting there with financial assistance from the Credit Union Education Award, which helped offset the cost of Makayla’s tuition.
Skyler Nickerson says he fully supports Make Way, which aims to raise $25 million to support students through financial aid, innovative programming, instructional equipment and centres of expertise.
“Without that help toward tuition, I would not be here. So, for other people — younger or older people who can’t really afford all of the costs of college — the Make Way Campaign is wonderful.”
In their own words ...
The Beth Murray Award is a bursary that helps five students meet their tuition expenses at NSCC each academic year. Two students at Shelburne Campus were the recent recipients. These are excerpts from their thank-you letters to the donor:
“I was thrilled to learn of my selection. I am enrolled in the Electrical Construction and Industrial Certificate Program. After completing my apprenticeship hours, my goal is to achieve a Red Seal. This scholarship helps lighten the financial strain and allows me to fully focus on my studies. Your generosity truly makes a difference.”
Brayden Roy
Electrical Construction and Industrial
Shelburne Campus, Class of 2018
“I am writing to express my sincere gratitude; I am extremely thankful for your support. I will be studying Continuing Care so I can become a CCA, which is the career I have been wanting for many years. I have been inspired by my grandmother, who has been a CCA for over 20 years. I know this is the career for me as I have always wanted to help others and I will work very hard to do so. Thank you very much for your generosity. This award will take away some of the financial burden, which will allow me to focus on my studies so I can fulfill my dreams. I hope to one day give back as you have given to me.”
Danika Campbell-Linklater
Recipient, Beth Murray Award
Continuing Care
Shelburne Campus, Class of 2018
