Carolyn Simon (Ottawa, ON)

Bachelor of Social Work, Carleton University

Impact of receiving this award:

I have written and re-written this statement several times, because words fail to convey what receiving the Trevor Harrison Civic Engagement scholarship means to me. I am truly honoured to be this year’s recipient. I am accepting this award not only on my behalf, but in memory of my mother, Phyllis Simon. She was a friend to many, a lifelong disabilities advocate, and a middle-aged college graduate, whose glioblastoma journey ended in December of 2022.

I feel fortunate to have made it to my final year of my studies, against all odds as an Indigenous student. I hope that accepting this award inspires future generations to attend postsecondary education and create change through policy.

To receive this scholarship not only eases my financial burden, but helps me carry on the legacies of Trevor Harrison and my mother, Phyllis Simon, two advocates that held that same genuine desire to kindly create change in a less-than-kind world. Though I miss her more than I can say, I know that somewhere out there, she’s cheering me on!

Listen to Carolyn’s story

Final Report

It was an honour to be a recipient of the Trevor Harrison Civic Engagement Scholarship for the 2024-2025 school year. This academic year was incredibly busy, which meant that I was tasked with balancing school, work, and degree practicum requirements. The funds I received helped manage some of my living expenses as well as some unexpected expenses that arose, which mitigated what would have otherwise been stressful.

In my Bachelor of Social Work Practicum, I had the chance to work as a program analyst with the federal government for funding programs geared towards survivors of the Indian Residential School, Indian Day School, and survivors of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls. Throughout the year my passion for policy and advocacy also gave me the skills to boldly advocate for the welfare of animals – a population that is far too often overlooked.

I truly believe that this scholarship served as a reminder of my love for policy and my dedication to work towards a better world. I am excited to report that I have completed all requirements in my program, and at the end of October I will officially have my Bachelor of Social Work! This achievement is bittersweet, as I had hoped to share it with my mother, but I believe that she is beaming with pride.

Since finishing my studies, I accepted a position at a non-profit organization that provides scholarships and grants to First Nations individuals and organizations to promote reconciliation, education and healing! This job has also shown me that I can make a difference and contribute to policy change by empowering others in their own learning journeys. Change cannot be made alone – we need policymakers and advocates from all walks of life. It is a dream to be part of this, and it is a dream to help others be part of it too.