Regan Sarvari was working part-time to save money for school when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Soon she found her work hours being cut back before, eventually, she was laid off.
“My plan of having enough money for my first year of school was fast disappearing,” she said. “My parents and the College’s Financial Assistance & Awards Advisor suggested I apply for the College’s Entrance Scholarships.”
Their advice turned out to be valuable – Regan was awarded the Academic Excellence Entrance Scholarship, an award open to all East or West Kootenay secondary school students who earn a minimum of a 75% average in grade 11 and 12 academic classes.
“The process of applying was fast and simple. It took me less than half an hour to complete all the questions and submit it,” she said. “I worked hard in my last years of high school and at my job. To be able to use this money to help pay for my education reduces the stress I would have if I had to work while taking classes.”
Regan is currently in the Pre-Education program at the College, with plans to enrol in the Bachelor of Education program held in partnership with the University of Victoria at the Cranbrook campus. She is confident she’ll achieve her goals thanks, in part, to the financial boost she received with the Entrance Scholarship.
“I would like to thank all those people who are involved with the scholarship program,” she said. “You took the time to donate your time and money to help my generation be able to achieve their academic goals in these trying times. I am forever grateful.”