Jenna Kellerman recently wrote to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and B.C. Premier John Horgan to highlight the challenges for people living in poverty.
Prior to starting upgrading at Okanagan College, Kellerman, a single mother of four boys, would never have dreamed she鈥檇 be advocating on issues to government leaders.
鈥淕oing back to school has given me the confidence and the voice to speak up,鈥� said Kellerman,who is a student in Penticton. 鈥淚t鈥檚 made me think from a different point of view. I鈥檓 not scared to speak up anymore, I am maturing as a person and finding my voice.鈥�
Kellerman is currently completing upgrading in order to pursue her dream career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. While in the past, Kellerman wouldn鈥檛 describe herself as doing well in school, she鈥檚 worked hard to achieve high grades and set an example for her sons.
Her hard work is paying off in more ways than one. Kellerman is being recognized with two awards from the Okanagan College Foundation.
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鈥淚t鈥檚 such an honour to receive these awards and a tremendous relief,鈥� said Kellerman.鈥淭hese awards will go a long way in helping me pay for my education.鈥�
She says one of the awards brought her to tears when she learned it came from professors at the college.
Kellerman is one of 385 students who will be receiving scholarships and bursaries at three awards receptions hosted by Okanagan College. The first event takes place tonight in Penticton, followed by Vernon Nov. 15 and 麻豆精选 Nov. 22.
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The award reception is an opportunity for people in the community who set up scholarships to meet the students and learn first-hand how the financial support is helping them succeed in school.
In total, nearly $500,000 will be awarded to Okanagan College students.
鈥淐ommunity support means a great deal to our students and our institution,鈥� said Jim Hamilton, Okanagan College president鈥淎wards open doors for students and recognize their hard work and achievements. The support is also a signal of the value our communities place on a skilled workforce and how they are willing to invest in the leaders of tomorrow. We are grateful for the support.鈥�
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