OCNews

Salmon Arm student Savannah Lamb has 40,000 reasons to be excited to begin her educational journey at Okanagan College this fall.

Thanks to an external $40,000 scholarship from the Beedie Luminaries foundation, Lamb will begin the Associate of Arts program at the College’s Salmon Arm campus in the fall, worry-free.

“When I found out about receiving this scholarship, I was so surprised and it took me a while to process it,” says Lamb. “After it sunk in, I shared the news with my family, and we had the chance to celebrate together.”

Lamb attributes her close relationship and upbringing from her grandparents as the reason for applying for the award.

“I live with and was raised by my grandparents, and I definitely dedicate this to them,” explains Lamb. “Throughout my entire life, they’ve been my main supporters and have encouraged me to be a hard worker and to aspire for great things.”

Lamb moved to Salmon Arm from Ponoka, Alberta, seven years ago to live with her grandparents and is one of the many students who graduated from Salmon Arm Secondary School this year.

Lamb took courses in Psychology at high school and it helped her realize a passion in the arts. After studying at OC, she wants to continue her education to become a therapist or counsellor.

Beedie Luminaries is a foundation that provides select students across B.C. the opportunity to advance their education, achieve their dreams and inspire others. The foundation’s scholarships remove barriers to education that students with financial adversity face. Post-secondary students across British Columbia are anticipating the excitement of returning to campus this September. Okanagan College is offering in-person classes at full class sizes with some online offerings this fall. Students will be back on campus in all regions and should review Classfinder for details on individual course delivery.

Thinking ahead to September, Lamb is excited to start her studies at the Okanagan College Salmon Arm campus. “I’m so ready to be in a new environment and learn new things,” says Lamb.

For students currently in high school, Lamb’s one piece of advice is to work hard, but with that, take care of yourself throughout the process. Knowing how to balance the various aspects of being a student is important, because “working too hard to the point of breaking can kill your confidence and your motivation,” says Lamb. “It’s all about working hard, but knowing that if something goes wrong, you can come back from it.”

In addition to external awards such as this, Okanagan College has over 500 awards, scholarships and bursaries generously funded by community donors. Awards are available for full-time or part-time students in certificate, diploma or degree programs. Financial Aid and Awards staff can help students find resources, explain terminology and assist with applications, including opportunities through other community partners in the Shuswap. For information, visit www.okanagan.bc.ca/financialaid.