Ida Mensah (Brampton, ON)

Faculty of Liberal Arts and Professional Studies, York University

Impact of receiving this award:

I am most grateful to be the recipient of the 2024 Trevor Harrison Civic Engagement Scholarship. This award is not only a significant source of assistance but also represents the opportunity to fulfill my aspirations. My mother passed away after her surgery for a
medulloblastoma when I was 18. She was my greatest supporter and was always eager to see me graduate. It is deeply painful that she only saw me make it to my second semester of post-secondary. Her memory motivates me to complete my degree and this award will support me in doing so. I intend to positively impact society through a career in law and public policy, as well as address systemic flaws that overlook people with disabilities and health conditions. I aim to honour Mr. Trevor Harrison’s legacy and promote civic engagement amongst Canadians. My goal is to continue writing my story until I find its happy ending – one that my mother would have been proud of. I sincerely thank the Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the Harrison Family for helping me unfold its chapters with this scholarship.