Mildred (Millie) Lambert — $1500 Scholarship Recipient (NSCC Cumberland)

Mildred (Millie) Lambert returned to school at the age of 47 after raising her children. “I worked 70 hours a week most weeks and I was the provider for the family. Some of the challenges about going back to school are finances, learning and technology. It has been a huge adjustment to apply on a small, fixed budget after being in the workforce for 27 years, but my determination and hard work paid off. In my first year, I met my goals and completed over half of the credits I need to graduate. Last year, I completed the rest of my courses to complete the grade 12 ALP. I am very proud of myself.”

Millie’s tutor at NSCC Cumberland describes her as a hard-working student who goes above and beyond to ensure that she is successful in all her academic efforts. “Millie is open to learning new things and never backs down from a challenge. I have seen a big improvement in her literacy since I began working with her. She is aware of the areas where she needs to improve and does not hesitate to reach out for help. Millie’s positive attitude is a big part of her success.”

“My goals are to make a better, more comfortable life for myself in the future,” says Millie. “I am a very hard-working person who takes learning very seriously. If it wasn`t for the support from teachers, tutoring, and the extra support from funding and bursaries, I would not have achieved my goals so far in my learning. I have new challenges until June 2024 in my social services program, but I am determined to complete it.”

“I look forward to my career goals, determination, and hard work paying off when I finish my program in social services, and again when I am looking for a job.” ~ Mildred (Millie) Lambert

Tracy MacDonald — $500 Bursary Recipient (Queens Adult High School)

Tracy MacDonald left school about 20 years ago, and a lot has happened since then. She had a family while living pay cheque to pay cheque. “Nothing was getting me ahead, so I thought about all of my options. In order for me to get an actual career, I needed to go to college, and to do that, I needed my grade 12. So, I decided to go back to finish school, but in order for me to go back to school and still take care of my children, I needed to quit my job. It would be a rough couple of years, but nothing we can’t handle.”

Going back school has been a challenge financially for Tracy, but she feels it is the best decision she ever made. Her instructor at Queens Adult High School says “Tracy is an active learner who participates, leads by example, and inspires. She talks the talk and walks the walk.”

“I am showing my children that it does not matter what life throws at you, you can still become what you want to be,” says Tracy. “After I complete grade 12, my next step is to start college. I want to become a teacher’s assistant, so that I can be there for my children when they are getting on the bus in the morning and when they are getting off the bus in the afternoon. Most importantly, I will be with my children when they don't have school.”

“The challenges with me going back to school right now would be the financial part. I will use the bursary money to help provide for my family as I continue to complete my education.” ~ Tracy MacDonald

Jessica Muise — $500 Bursary Recipient (Yarmouth County Learning Network)

Jessica Muise, a single mother to five children, ages 23, 21, 20, 14 and 6, has returned to school to complete her GED. “l'm planning on attending the Social Services course held next fall at the NSCC. I've returned to school to further my education, and to purchase a home and provide a stronger foundation with more financial security for my family. From personal experience, I can say with 100% confidence that the career I've chosen in Social Services is the right one for me. I've learned how to guide people in the right directions when experiencing a crisis. I'm a good emotional supporter and I know where to find resources. The most important reason I'm confident is because I love helping people. I'm excited to join the Social Services course next fall to pursue and achieve all of my dreams.”

“The hardest thing about coming back to school is applying my time management skills to balance home life and school life,” says Jessica. “I devoted all my time and energy into the kids over the past twenty-three years. Now that it’s time for me to further my education, they are the driving force behind my determination to do it. The best things about coming back to school are reconnecting with people and having the positive support I need to be successful. In the beginning I had little confidence, but as time went on, I kept passing my exams. My confidence is growing daily.”

Her instructor at Yarmouth County Learning Network says Jessica quickly demonstrated her willingness to learn and her drive to make a difference in the lives of others when she joined their GED prep class this year. “Despite being a single mother with 5 children, navigating COVID lockdowns, and balancing her responsibilities outside of the classroom, she attends regularly and is making great progress in completing the GED. Jessica is gaining confidence in her abilities as a learner and is committed to being a positive role model for her children. She is truly an asset to our learning environment. Her positive attitude in light of some of the challenges she has had to overcome is admirable. Jessica has set appropriate goals for herself that will allow her to use her own experience and knowledge to support others in her community. I have no doubt that she will put her heart into whatever work she pursues.”

“l lost connection with people over years of staying home with my kids. l had also lost the confidence I needed to be successful. Now I can see my full potential and I'm feeling more confident.” ~ Jessica Muise

Mary Tilley — $500 Bursary Recipient (East Hants Community Learning Association)

Coming back to school was difficult for Mary Tilley.

“I felt I didn't know much. I always struggled with my learning difficulties, and I was bullied in school so I quit in grade 9. I moved to Nova Scotia and wanted to get out of the house, meet some people and get a fresh start. I wanted to learn some new things and pick up where I left off on my learning path, but it was hard to arrange a ride.”

Despite this, Mary says that coming back to school has been the best thing to do. “I'm learning a lot more and thinking about how I'm going to continue my education. I'm not sure what I want to do in life but now I have some options. I didn't have much confidence when I was in school before, but now it has increased.”

In 2019, Mary started attending East Hants Community Learning's Adult Learning Program. Her instructors at EHCLA describe her as a “lovely young lady who attends class regularly. Mary participates in all activities offered through our ALP 3 program, as well as any enhancements to her learning journey that we can offer. She is a dedicated, self-motivated student. Mary has worked on understanding her learning style and uses her self-knowledge to work towards her learning goals. She is very good with technology and is a patient and willing teacher when her fellow students need assistance. Mary has faced personal hardship in the last year but has not allowed it to interfere with her education goals. She also welcomes opportunities that support a healthier lifestyle.”

“The Adult Learning Program helped me get my confidence back,” says Mary, “and helped me to get where I am today.”

“I came back to school to get my education, and I want to learn more of the things that I missed in school. I know that I can do it.” ~ Mary Tilley