Hear What Our Special Scholarship-Winners Had to Say About the Impact of Receiving Their Award
Longo Faculty of Business offers five special scholarships in addition to the Humber awards and scholarships. Each scholarship requires full-time students to meet the minimum criteria as described per scholarship.
Read the Q & A's to learn more about our 2022 scholarship winners below.
Longo Faculty of Business Dean’s Scholarship Winners
This award goes to a returning student within the Longo Faculty of Business. The recipient must have achieved an 85 percent or higher grade point average and have displayed academic excellence within the classroom and demonstrate leadership in their program of study, the broader Humber community, and outside the college.
Mark Sardella
1. How did you feel when you discovered that you were the recipient of the award?
I was so happy and surprised to receive the award! Thank you to the Longo Faculty of Business for choosing me as one of the recipients. It would be a great help in budgeting for the next semester, so I was excited. I was happy that I would be able to focus more on school, and that I could get the best educational experience possible here at Humber.
2. How have/will these funds make an impact on you, your life and your family life?
These funds have been a big help because they allowed me to take on a more reasonable workload at my part-time jobs and focus my time and energy on school activities instead. It has also given me more time to run the Accounting Business and Finance Club and plan fun events like our virtual stock trading contest during this semester. Of course, receiving this has also significantly reduced stress, so it has had many benefits!
3. What do you plan to do with the money?
I used the money to pay for my Winter 2022 tuition, textbooks, and transportation costs to and from school. It has been a great help!
Frank Franklin Scholarship Winners
Awarded annually to a full-time International Student within the Longo Faculty of Business who has displayed an outstanding commitment to their academic studies, extracurricular activities and who has shown perseverance in overcoming a barrier or challenge. Frank Franklin, former Director of International Programs who retired in 2005, has supported the achievements of many international Business students.
Omobolanle Akpan
1. How did you feel when you discovered that you were the recipient of the award?
I was overjoyed! It was one of the best days of my life. It is one thing to work hard and something else entirely to be recognized for it. I felt honoured because I know many students must have worked as hard, and to be the recipient of this prestigious award was just a dream come true.
2. How have/will these funds make an impact on you, your life and your family life?
Knowing that I have the financial support needed to complete my studies successfully gives me peace of mind. It makes me more focused on my education at Humber College. It is like running a race and having people cheering you on; you want to keep going and giving it your all. For my family life? Unfortunately, my family is not here, but they were very happy for me. Because of the award, I could use some of my savings for my family. I had what my BFIN 250 Professor would call ‘freed-up funds'!
3. What do you plan to do with the money?
The money went directly towards my school fees for the semester. I use the opportunity to thank the generous donors. This scholarship serves as a motivation towards my strive for continued excellence in my program. I am so fortunate that donors are devoted to supporting students at Humber College.
Chris Lagji
1. How did you feel when you discovered that you were the recipient of the award?
The email found me at work and during a time when I was going through financial stress. With the tuition deposit due date coming up, I felt on edge about paying the deposit and tuition, but I did not want to inconvenience or burden my parents. They have been the backbone of my success in Canada, and I am thankful to have had support from them.
Thus, the excitement and pure joy of being awarded the prize and the feeling of financial relief blended well and flew in harmony. They continued to fuel pure joy in my heart and mind and reminded me that I had been on the right track.
As a person that constantly deals with anxiety, I feel validated whenever I am awarded or recognized for my work and effort. I always strive for success, but I sometimes cannot see my progress. Being awarded this scholarship provided me with financial relief, helped me with my anxiety, reminded me to keep working hard and standing out. I felt happy and proud.
2. How have/will these funds make an impact on you, your life and your family life?
The funds have already had a significant impact on me and my life. I paid off the remaining tuition balance right after, which opened many doors earlier than expected. The funds have also helped me prioritize myself more. As a fourth-year international student, I have been juggling school, career advancement, personal development, and work. Allowing me to allocate more time towards my education, personal development, and career advancements has helped me greatly.
Additionally, the funds have helped me manage my anxiety more. They provided significant financial relief, and I have had more time to plan for the next steps in my professional life. Having a more organized and thoroughly planned outlook on the next upcoming months has made it possible for me to practice mindfulness.
3. What do you plan to do with the money?
After graduating, to work in Canada and gain work experience in the field, I will be applying for a PGWP (Post-Graduate Work Permit). This work permit is not very pricey, but my focus on growth and development might be. Before the year ends, I will also be writing my IELTS English test as per immigration rules, which is somewhat costly. I believe that these two are key milestones that I am excited to experience and achieve. I would prefer to write the CFA Level I exam, but I may write the Canadian Securities (CSC) exam instead. Both cost a lot, but I am very thankful to have the funds to pay for them. I feel equipped to write both, due to Humber's amazing curriculum in Finance. Any remaining funds will help me continue prioritizing my education and preparing for my future.
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Scholarship Winners
This award is presented to a full-time student in the Longo Faculty of Business enrolled in any diploma or degree program of study. The applicant will self-identify as a member of an equity deserving group and demonstrate a passion for the program they are enrolled in.
Myat Kalyar Naing
1. How did you feel when you discovered that you were the recipient of the award?
There was a moment of disbelief followed by immense gratitude. I went through a roller coaster of emotions when I found out that I have been chosen for this prestigious award and it still feels surreal. I remember calling and texting all my friends and family to share the great news that “After so many attempts, I’ve finally made it, that my hard work has finally been recognized”.
2. How have/will these funds make an impact on you, your life and your family life?
The money is a BIG help! Being an international student, there are not many financing options available for me in Canada even though the cost is very high. I had to depend on my family for most of the living expenses. However, because of this pandemic economic crisis plus the unstable political situation in Myanmar, my family was unable to support me further. I have been self-financing my expenses in Canada, and it has not been an easy journey at all. But thanks to the support of generous donors at Humber College, the fund substantially paid off a significant amount of my tuition fees and lessen the financial burden off my shoulders. This scholarship makes me feel hopeful when I was surrounded by uncertainty. It strengthened my belief that hard work pays off.
3. What do you plan to do with the money?
I have already put the award money towards paying off my tuition fees for the current semester. This scholarship fund helped me ensure that I continue my studies with a fewer financial burden.
Longo Faculty of Business International Student Excellence Scholarship
Presented to a returning International student within the Longo Faculty of Business who has achieved exceptionally high grades, has demonstrated a strong dedication to their studies, and commitment to Humber’s campus life and the wider community. Participation can be proven through activities as follows but not limited to: athletics, residence, peer mentoring, cultural activities, and event planning.
Nikitha Mandala
1. How did you feel when you discovered that you were the recipient of the award?
I video called my family and said, “I can’t believe it but…I think it is true. I received the scholarship; we don’t have to take another loan.” At that moment, I recall three emotions: disbelief, gratitude, and happiness. I wiped the tears trickling down my cheeks. Until a moment ago, I was trying to calm my anxiety and brainstorming the borrowing options. And then I was crying in relief that I do not need to take another education loan, and most importantly, I do not need to postpone my graduation. It was a blessing.
2. How have/will these funds make an impact on you, your life and your family life?
The funds allowed the continuation of my bachelor’s degree at Humber. They helped me find peace of mind during the last semester of graduation. I can graduate on the expected date of May with my fellow colleagues. Like many others, my family’s income was disrupted by COVID-19 and amidst job searching, it was difficult to secure full tuition fees. My family is grateful to the donors. With this help, I look forward to filling the next chapters.
3. What do you plan to do with the money?
I applied the scholarship money towards my Winter 2022 tuition; I enrolled in my final semester classes. Now, I have one month to graduate, and looking back, I feel lucky and blessed.