OCNews

Mother, volunteer, former brewer, Business student and now, award-winner.

Annika Kirk has many titles and is used to juggling work, life and every other curveball that comes her way, which helped her shine when she applied for the Colleges and Institutes Canada (CICan) Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary Award.

Kirk received the news in a unique way: Okanagan College President Neil Fassina announced she won the bursary during a meeting of the Board of Governors, of which she is a student representative.

“It was a complete shock and I cried,” she said. “I called my husband and he cried. It was really quite wonderful.”

In her third year of Bachelor of Business Administration studies, Kirk was one out of seven applicants from OC and one of 20 recipients of the bursary nationally. She returned to school in the fall of 2020, having worked as a brewer for seven years in Toronto and Kelowna. Knowing that an OC education could help her family start their own brewery, she jumped right into the degree program.

When she’s not in school, Kirk is known for being involved in meaningful causes, such as working with her colleagues to increase diversity and inclusivity in the craft beer industry, and how that can be implemented in Kelowna. Kirk had also been working with another colleague to create and start their own non-profit with the goal of assisting breweries, distilleries, cideries and wineries in their journey to be more inclusive and diverse.

The CICan Paul and Gerri Charette Bursary program provides students who face financial challenges with support to help continue their studies. Kirk is set to receive $5,000 from the program; given she had just given birth to her second child, the timing couldn’t be better.

“This bursary is going to help us even more than I had anticipated,” she said. “I’m doing some casual work, but I’m in school while also getting ready to take care of a newborn with our three-year-old. It’s a lot to take on. This bursary has given us a bit of breathing room.”

Kirk says supporting her family and continuing her education have been possible because of the College’s support.

“The College has been incredible. I had no idea going into this program how supportive this community is and how amazing the professors here are,” she said. “They’ve been a huge support system for me and my family.”

Kirk said her professors have put together personalized plans for her so she doesn’t fall behind with her studies when she gives birth and recovers. While she still expects to work hard on her courses, she said it’s easier knowing that her instructors have her back and are willing to help. “Just to be able to sit down and chat with some of my professors has also been amazing,” she said.

“Annika Kirk demonstrates grit and determination in her life and in her education,” said Fassina.  “I was impressed by the contributions she regularly makes to her community, including the activities she has been engaged in for the BIPOC and LGBTQ2S+ communities.” 

Along with her studies, Kirk said she’ll be continuing her volunteering efforts within the community and at the College. She’s excited to tackle her new challenges head on, all because she loves learning.

“I just really fell in love with being in school and learning again,” she said. “It’s been a different educational journey than others for sure, but I don’t regret it.”

The Okanagan College School of Business offers one, two and four year programs that fit a variety of career paths. Visit www.okanaganbc.ca/business to explore your options.