It’s incredible to know that donors right here in my community are supporting me and my nursing pursuits. 

“Growing up, becoming a nurse was my dream career. I always knew I wanted to care for others, especially marginalized populations.

“Now, my childhood vision is becoming reality: I’m completing my third year of a Bachelor of Science in nursing at the University of Ottawa and I want to sincerely thank the donors who give to uOttawa for helping to make this possible.

“Last spring, I was honoured to receive the Jeannette Bennett Memorial Bursary, which was created by Jeanette’s lifelong friend in memory of a kind and caring person. Jeanette’s story struck a chord with me. I was inspired to learn that she worked at the Salvation Army, cared for patients with AIDS and nursed in Ethiopia.

“Over the last few years, I’ve helped out at a youth shelter and a drop-in centre. Last year, I also started working at a safe consumption site supporting clients through harm reduction, recovery and detox. In some ways, I feel like I’m walking in Jeannette’s footsteps and honouring her legacy. 

“Knowing I have people like you supporting me not only helps relieve the financial burden of pursuing my dream, but also inspires me to keep setting my sights higher. After university, I am keen to serve in the places that have the most need and, through this, endeavour to help make this world a better place.”

— Stephen Kimbell, uOttawa BScN student and grateful bursary recipient