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Elizabeth Cumming

Elizabeth CummingMy Name is Elizabeth Cumming and I’m 17 years old and live in Port Clements, B.C. (Haida Gwaii). I attended school in Queen Charlotte City at Queen Charlotte Secondary. From grades 8 to 10 I played on our school’s basketball team (stopping in my senior years to focus on academics). Every year since grade 8 I’ve been on the student council as a grade representative, during my grade 12 year I was treasurer and secretary of the student council. I was editor-in-chief of this our yearbook and I’ve been involved with a lot of volunteer work at community related functions. My hobbies include reading, writing, photography, and exploring the natural environment around me.

Being named as the 2011 recipient of the Fernandez Earle Scholarship has truly changed my life and that of my family as well. It means a solid post secondary education, it means a world opportunity has opened up to me and it means that I can pursue the life I want to have. Without this scholarship the only way I could have gotten a post secondary education was if I took a few years off to work and raise money for school or get in an enormous debt situation with student loans or most likely a combination of both.
It means the world to me, I really can’t grasp the words to explain exactly what the FESF Scholarship means—it’s the difference between smiling while crying for a few moments in relief-filled joy or crying for years with worry, stress and fear as I struggle to get the education I long for.

I truly look forward to the journey ahead and thank the FESF for believing in me and allowing me this life changing opportunity.

Filed Under: Elizabeth Cumming, Students

Meghan Deagle

Meghan DeagleI still remember so clearly the day that I found out I was going to be given the chance of a lifetime to attend a university in Hawaii to pursue my otherwise out of reach dreams. During the course of these past eight years, much like the Foundation, I have grown and matured and accomplished feats that once seemed impossible. For example, in December of 2006 I graduated with honors from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology, something I certainly could not have achieved without the generosity and loving support of the family and friends of both Kane Fernandez and Roger Earle.

It is amazing how the legacies of these two great men have grown over the years and how they continue to reach out and touch the lives of others, changing them for the better. I for one have transformed significantly since that day all those years ago, and I could not even imagine how my life may be today had I not been given such an incredible opportunity. The education provided to me through the Foundation not only came from professors in classrooms but also through the life experiences it created.

I’ve learned independence and responsibility, I’ve become a more worldly individual and I’ve realized how much of an impact a single person can generate when they possess a kind and generous heart. If one day I can create even a fraction of the impact you all have made on me I would consider my life a booming success. I do dream of someday furthering my education with a master’s degree, but one day at a time. No matter where the road ahead may lead me, I will always have all of you to thank for starting me on my way to such a glorious place. I will never forget my time in Hawaii, and am forever indebted to you.

Filed Under: Meghan Deagle, Students

Thea Borserio

Thea BorserioMy time in Hawaii was an amazing experience, one for which I cannot thank the Fernandez Earle Scholarship enough. The chance to study biology at one of the most culturally diverse universities in the world is truly a privilege. I was exposed to many different cultures and types of people. I met and had the honour of working with many talented people who I would not have had the chance to know had it not been for the FESF. Hawaii holds a very special place in my heart and I have ties there that will last a lifetime as a result of my experience.

On May 13th, 2007 I graduated with Honors from Hawaii Pacific University. My goal is to go to Medical school, so I focused my four years at Hawaii Pacific University on shaping my bachelors degree to meet that criteria. My dreams of becoming a doctor seem to be becoming a reality thanks to all of you who contribute to the FESF so generously every year. It is your good work and donations that make this possible for students like us, and we are forever grateful.

I would like to thank the Kane Fernandez and Roger Earle Foundation for all their support and belief in my ability to succeed at Hawaii Pacific University. There were so many helping hands and supportive people along the way that insured that I had the best experience possible. Without them I would not be where I am today. Please accept a sincere and heartfelt thank you.

Filed Under: Students, Thea Borserio

Ben Drover

August 23, 2010

Ben DroverGreat news . . . I have a job!

I’ve been working as an Registered Nurse in the local hospital in Queen Charlotte City for the past month and it’s been great. I’m learning loads of new things and the staff aren’t eating me alive like some older nurses tend to do to the younger ones.

Being home in Haida Gwaii and working with people that I’ve known for the better part of my entire life has been really nice. I’ve had a lot of people come in as patients and know me as the “Hawaii Boy”. Everyone seems to know about the FESF scholarship. I’ve had a few people who haven’t been here long so they don’t know this history of the scholarship so I’ve been filling them in when they ask why I went to school in Hawaii. Each time I’ve told people their eyes get wide and they wish that they were in high school again.

It’s a big change being back here and having graduated through the scholarship. I’ve been missing Hawaii a lot lately but I figure after so many years being there I should be able to handle a few years here (with the occasional trip back to Hawaii for a visiting trip to escape winter here).

The FESF has given me so much over the years so I wanted to let you know how it has been changing the Islands. I wouldn’t be where I am today if the scholarship hadn’t given me the chance those years ago. Even now I still think back on it and wonder if everything was really real or if I have just been dreaming about receiving the FES.

Beverley, Thank you so much for giving me this chance. A big “hello and thank you” to everyone from me.

The FESF has opened the door to the world for me by giving me the chance to get a post secondary education. When I first found out that I had received the Scholarship I remember being so surprised that a foundation, whose members had met me only twice previously, were willing to commit themselves to my education for the next four years. I don’t think that anyone, aside from recipients of the Scholarship, can fully understand how it feels to have that level of commitment and support at such a critical time in a person’s life.

Aside from having a great impact on my life, the FESF has also influenced the communities of the Queen Charlotte Islands. I have spoken with both elementary and high school students, who have told me that they’re already starting to work towards the application process for the Scholarship so that they’re prepared for their chance at being a recipient. Since its inception, the Scholarship has motivated students to work harder, set their sights higher and appreciate the opportunities the world has to offer.

I would like to thank all supporters of the FESF, past, present and future, for giving me this amazing opportunity and for supporting me throughout my years at HPU. To the FESF members who put their trust in me four years ago and have supported me both in and out of school, I am forever grateful for choosing me as a recipient of this Scholarship. I would also like to thank Kane Fernandez and Roger Earle, whose legacy has forever changed my life, and given me the opportunity of a lifetime.

Filed Under: Ben Drover, Students

Leigh Anna Marks

Leigh Anna MarksMy name is Leigh-Anna Marks and I was the privileged recipient of the Fernandez Earle Scholarship for the year 2007. I have completed my sophomore year of university and am finishing my prerequisites for my nursing major. The plan for next year is to start nursing clinicals. When I graduate from Hawai’i Pacific University, my goal is to proceed with honors with a major in nursing and a minor in psychology. Eventually my long term goal is to work as a nursing practitioner specializing in pediatrics in Northern British Columbia.

I would like to extend my sincere gratitude towards the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation for their generosity in funding my education. Without this scholarship, I would be not have had access to the unique opportunities and experiences that this experience has provided for me to grow as a person. I left my home in the Haida Gwaii as a basic Canadian High School graduate and will be returning one day to my community as an internationally educated University graduate. I am eager to proceed in life and cannot wait until I can give back to my community as a health professional. Without this scholarship I would not have had access to the unique opportunities that this experience has provided to me to grow as a person. Thank you to all who have contributed to this scholarship and my hope is that the Fernandez Earle Scholarship will continue to provide this amazing education experience to fuure Haida Gwaii residents.

Filed Under: Leigh Anna Marks, Students

Meghan Brasier

Meghan BrasierMy name is Meghan Brasier and I am fortunate to be the recipient of the 2008 Fernandez Earle Scholarship. I am currently finishing my first year at Hawaii Pacific University. My major at Hawaii Pacific University is Environmental Studies with a minor in Geography. I plan to graduate with honours in 2012 and then further my education in British Columbia by working towards a second degree in Architecture. My long term career goal is to become an Environmental Architect who designs environmentally sustainable buildings throughout Canada.

I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank everyone involved in the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation for this one chance of a lifetime. I feel very privileged to have been chosen as one of the recipients of this scholarship. In so many shapes and forms have I benefitted from this receiving this award, I hope the Fernandez Earle Scholarship continues its legacy for years to come so that others have the chance to be involved in such a great academic opportunity.

Filed Under: Meghan Brasier, Students

Eric Terryberry

Eric TerryberryMy name is Eric Terryberry and I am the grateful recipient of the 2010 Fernandez Earle Scholarship. I’m going to be attending Hawaii Pacific University in September to get my Bachelor of Science in Nursing. This is such a great opportunity for me to reach my goal as a travelling nurse. I will travel to remote areas around British Columbia and contribute as much as I can to these small areas. This also gives me the chance to become a great ambassador for the island.

This scholarship means the world to me and gives me such a huge opportunity to pursue my dreams. Without the scholarship I wouldn’t get the chance to travel to an amazing University and receive a major in nursing without coming out of school with major debt. I can’t even explain how much this means to my family and I. I would like to give a huge thanks to the Fernandez Earle Scholarship Foundation and all the donors’ part of it that gave me the opening to this great opportunity.

Filed Under: Eric Terryberry, Students

Cash Helman

Cash HelmanAloha! My name is Cash Helman, and it is truly a great privilege to be the first Hawaiian student to receive the Fernandez Earle Scholarship.

I am currently a sophomore at the University of Hawaii at Manoa, majoring in Natural Resources and Environmental Management. After obtaining my degree, I plan on using my college education not only as a path towards employment but also as a tool that aids Hawaii’s community. I hope to help educate students on the ways to becoming more resourceful and to create a more sustainable environment for future generations. Furthermore, I hope to open the Dalisay Grotkin Scholarship Fund in the memory of my mother for less fortunate students who have lost their parents. Just as the Fernandez Earle Scholarship has helped me, I would like to one-day aid students who have used perseverance to triumph over adversity.

This scholarship has not only vastly alleviated my family from the financial aspect of college, but has opened the doors to the amazing opportunities and experiences I have had here at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. To think that someone from across the world could give so much is truly a humbling experience. As we say here in Hawaii, a big “Mahalo” to the Fernandez Earle Scholarship and all the donors’ that have made this scholarship opportunity available to students here in the Islands of Hawaii.

Filed Under: Cash Helman, Students