Alumni Update – 2022 TFHA Graduates
Marvin Routley
Degree:
Bachelor’s in Environmental Science
University:
University of Manitoba
During my undergrad I took special interest in learning the ways the environment impacts human health. Currently, I am in my first few weeks of the Doctor of Medicine program at the University of Manitoba (my photo is from my white coat ceremony) and excited to be entering the healthcare profession.
Hajar Abdessamie
Degree:
Honours Bachelor of Commerce, Finance
University:
University of Ottawa
After graduating, I’ve travelled a bit before starting my new position as a Strategy & Consulting Analyst at Accenture in Ottawa,ON. I am very excited to embark on this new adventure and continue to learn along the way. I’ll always be grateful to the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award Program for its invaluable support during my academic career.
Colette Benko
Degree:
Bachelor’s of Medical Sciences Specializing in Biochemistry of Infection
University:
University of Western Ontario
Currently, I am pursuing a PhD in Developmental Biology at Stanford University.
Maggie Manning
As of Fall 2022, my undergraduate studies continue as I work towards the completion of a dual credential Bachelor of Health Sciences and Diploma in Respiratory Therapy at Thompson Rivers University in Kamloops, BC. Outside of school, I am invested in a number of para-sports, and I am now training as a member of the Canadian Women’s High Performance Para Hockey squad. Going forward, I plan to carry on advocating for accessibility and inclusion of people with disabilities in Canada, and beyond.
Julie Norris
Degree:
Bachelor of Science in Nursing
University:
The University of Ottawa
I have recently just passed the nursing registration exam (NCLEX) so now that I am officially a registered nurse I have been applying to nursing positions and have upcoming interviews scheduled with the hopes of working in the field of Maternal Child health or Oncology!
Julia Caddy
Degree:
Bachelor of Arts in psychology
University:
McGill University
In terms of what comes next… I’ve begun in a position with the Nunavik Regional Board of Health & Social Services as a health promotion agent focused on community mobilization. At the end of September I’ll be moving up to Kuujjuaq, QC with a close friend and now colleague of mine, to be able to do this work on the ground in the 14 communities of Nunavik (Inuit homeland of northern Quebec). I will get to use my expertise in mental health and community work to help individuals take action to turn their dreams for their community into realities. Most of all, I am excited to learn from everyone I meet, whether at my job, out on the land, or in the local sewing centre. While it’s a permanent position, I currently plan to stay there for two years before pursuing a Masters in Educational Psychology to continue with my goal of using the education system to set children up for a life of wellbeing.
Abbie Rowsell
Degree:
Bachelor’s of Science in Computational Math
University:
Memorial University of Newfoundland-Grenfell Campus
I am now attending St. Thomas University to complete a Bachelor of Education. I will be doing the Middle/Secondary stream with focus areas in math and science!
Nik Provenzano
Degree:
Bachelor of Applied Science – Biomedical Engineering
University:
University of British Columbia
I am starting a full-time role in the field of management consulting. I am also planning on maintaining my involvement with the non-profit organizations that I am passionate about, including Lime Connect and Nubability Athletics. I will be looking to take on a more senior role in these organizations in the coming years. I am also very interested in potentially pursuing a Paralympic sport in the near future, particularly in a domain that I have previously competed at a competitive level (ice hockey or badminton). These endeavors will allow me to have a more balanced personal life and will complement my professional career in numerous capacities.
Fatima Saleem
Degree:
Honours Bachelor of Health Sciences
University:
University of Calgary
I am beyond excited and privileged to begin my medical training at the University of Toronto’s Doctor of Medicine program and join this incredibly rewarding profession. I aim to erase as many barriers to wellbeing and healthcare as I can to improve outcomes for my patients and advocate to make our healthcare system more equitable for underrepresented populations. The fervor to develop innovative treatments and advance medical knowledge through research, and the desire to always learn and grow to become a stellar physician that provides excellent humanistic care has carried over from my undergraduate degree. The Terry Fox Award has be instrumental to my success.
Campbell Laidlaw
When I first went to the University of Calgary, my goal was to use my combined degree in Business and Kinesiology as a stepping stone to medical school. After my first year of university, I knew that medical school was not the right path for me. I spent the next two years unsure of what my future was going to look like. In 2020, I had a lot of time to reflect since the pandemic was in full swing. I realized that I had to pursue my passion for aviation that I have had since I was a kid. I was always in awe of pilots and never thought that it would be an attainable career path for me. With further investigation, I realized that it is not as complicated as I initially thought.
I started my flight training in March 2021 at the Calgary Flying Club and got my Private Pilot’s License in October 2021. I worked incredibly hard the past year and a half to finish my university degrees, which I will be finishing in winter 2023 since it is a five-year program, as well as continue with my flight training. I recently passed my multi-engine flight test in July, and my Commercial Pilot’s License flight test on September 22nd. My plan for the future is to use my degrees to support my career in aviation.
I am very grateful for the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award. You have made it possible for me to pursue this passion of mine, and I strive to represent this award to the best of my ability moving forward.