“When I was a child, I fantasized about becoming a doctor,” writes Sandra Huynh, a New College student currently completing her final year in the Life Sciences. “But it was not until high school that this fantasy became a goal.”

With support from alumni like you, Sandra has been able to pursue that goal without compromising her love of extra-curricular involvement with the New College community. “Being a university student is very costly. We have to pay for tuition and books on top of the usual costs of living. As a commuter… I still spend over $1,000 a year on transportation alone.”

We’re sure you’ll agree: the best and brightest should never be denied their right to higher education due to financial need. Now in our 50th year, this is the perfect opportunity to join your fellow alumni and friends in supporting current and future New College students through our 50th Anniversary Scholarship Fund.

Gifts to the 50th Anniversary Scholarship Fund will:

•             Provide new annual awards for students studying in international-based and service-learning courses

•             Increase financial aid for students through scholarships and bursaries

•             Support student outreach opportunities such as volunteering with youth,  non-profit organizations and shelters in Canada and abroad.

“Alumni often do not realize their crucial role at the College,” Sandra writes. “They do not realize that numerous activities and programs at the college would not exist without their support. Without them, students may not even be able to get through university. With high tuition fees, expensive books and costly transportation, many of us often find ourselves financially restricted. Their funding greatly helps us in this regard. Our experience as students would not be the same.”

Involved with the New College Student Council (NCSC) since her first year, Sandra has acted as First Year Representative, Commuter’s Director, Vice-President of Finance, Chair of the NCSC Grants Committee, and Orientation Leader for the College. She has also volunteered at Princess Margaret Hospital and a number of laboratories in the Physical Education and Physiology departments here at the University while completing her degree.

“If it was not for these extracurricular and volunteering activities, I would not have learned as much as I have in my undergraduate years,” she says. “Students learn very specific theories and concepts in class, and I had the chance to [apply that knowledge] where I volunteered. In addition, social skills do not come from the classroom. They come from the interactions one has with the community.”

Your gift to the 50th Anniversary Scholarship Fund also offers an invaluable affirmation for our students as they prepare to become the professionals, community partners and global citizens of tomorrow. Whether you choose to give a single gift or join our monthly giving program, your support can help our finest students focus on what matters must: their education.

“Words cannot express how grateful I am for the scholarships I’ve received and to the alumni who have contributed to them,” Sandra writes.

And her future plans? “I hope to go to medical school to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology.”

To give now, please click here

  Sandra Huynh (2T12)