Pursuing a Bachelor of Education at Western University.

Diagnosed with a ganglioglioma at 7 years old.

Generously funded by Andrew Campbell Youth Leadership Foundation

Impact of receiving this award:

While I know that my cancer outcome could have been much worse, amongst my greatest frustrations is the impact that my tumour has on my functioning at school. My anxiety and depression can get increasingly bad when I am overloaded with schoolwork, and unfortunately for cancer survivors, these everyday worries are exacerbated further when you have to worry about your health in the mix as well. I really resonate with the Brain Tumour Foundation’s use of the term “journey” when discussing survivorship because, as a brain tumour survivor, I’ve learned that our story never ends with the completion of treatment. This theme has been most evident when seeking extra academic accommodation in school and learning to compensate for tumour side effects when driving.

In addition to vision loss, my short-term memory loss has become a concern regarding my educational pursuits. Recalling information during exams has become increasingly difficult, but I’ve found unique ways to learn and compensate for my condition, such as using special technology and software. These supports are often costly and not affordable when I have to pay tuition, so this award is extremely helpful. Additionally, it is hard to keep a part-time job to help with these payments when I spend extra time completing my schoolwork. A quote that continues to inspire me is “she stood in the storm and when the wind did not blow her way, she adjusted her sails”. I believe this award would help me adjust my sails to the challenges of university and relieve some of my financial stress. I also believe the Brain Tumour Youth Education Award would be instrumental in helping me continue on my path toward becoming a teacher. I am currently attending Western University’s Bachelor of Education program, and while my studies have brought new tumour-related challenges, I believe this award would help buffer many of them.

Furthermore, this funding would help me achieve my dream of becoming an educator who supports children with learning challenges and medically complex childhoods in getting the help they need. More than anything, this award would empower me to become the kind of educator who advocates for and uplifts children. I hope that through my education and life experience gained on this journey, I can create inclusive classrooms where students feel seen, capable, and confident; something that I yearned for upon returning to school from treatment. While this journey has been difficult, I’ve learned so much about perseverance, strength, and resilience. Despite facing difficulties at school related to my disability, I’ve tried my very hardest, and I face each day with optimism. I am eager to grow as an educator in my studies as a teacher candidate, and I’m honoured to be considered for this extraordinarily helpful scholarship!