Around this time last year, I decided to apply for a Girl Guides of Canada scholarship. (This year’s application deadline is April 1.) I did not know if I had any chance but I decided that it was worth a shot. I ended up being selected as one of the recipients of a national scholarship. It was an amazing experience and I started to realize that all my hard work was starting to pay off.
This is now my 14th year in Guiding and I am currently a first-year student studying at Simon Fraser University. I have gone through every branch of Guiding and I am now a transitioning member. As a transitioning member (a member who has not yet reached the age of majority in their province), I help out a Sparks unit in my district with their regular meetings and with their special events. I also participate in planning meetings for the unit to help plan out wonderful activities for the girls.
Sometimes, I find it challenging to balance university life and Guiding but I always manage to leave some time for Guiding. Even though I am so busy with school, I decided to continue my membership with this wonderful organization because of the many positive experiences it has given to me. I want to be able to pass on these experiences to the next generation of girls so that they have the same opportunities as I did. Guiding has allowed me to expand my leadership skills which will definitely help me in pursuing my goal of becoming a teacher.
I encourage everyone that is eligible for a scholarship to apply. The Girl Guides of Canada scholarship program is amazing and it really helps you pay for tuition. I also encourage all graduating Rangers to continue on with Guiding as it will definitely expand your leadership skills which will help in any future career goals.
Guest post by Eliesse Harpaz, a transitioning member with the 1st Burnaby Mountain Sparks in B.C. Eliesse has been in Guiding since she was 5 years old and is now completing a degree in French and in Education at Simon Fraser University. She was the recipient of the West Coast Area Bursary, the BC Council Bursary and the CIBC National GGC Scholarship.