A dream come true

When BSc in Environmental Sciences student Kenzie Field learned that she had received the 2011 Kaiser Foundation for Higher Education Bursary, she was ecstatic. 

“I called my parents right away jumping up and down sharing with them the news that my hard work was recognized,” she recalls.  “This award has definitely released some of the financial pressures off my shoulders. Instead of worrying about getting a job or taking out a student loan, it has allowed me to continue focusing on achieving high grades in my studies.” 

The bursary is granted to a student who demonstrates financial need and is enrolled in a bachelor of science program or is a professional engineer enrolled in the MA or MSc in Environment and Management. 

Field, who transferred from Kwantlen Polytechnic University, wanted to attend Royal Roads University since she graduated high school in 2005, and the bursary helped make her dream possible. And now, she’s dreaming bigger. 

“I hope with my degree I will engage in a job that will help bring a positive change to the environment and hopefully provide inspiration to others to do the same,” says Field, adding that her ultimate job would be teaching at Nature Kindergarten, a pilot project that will take place at Royal Roads, or at a similar school that promotes environmental education. She feels Royal Roads has equipped her well for her next challenges. 

“Professionally, Royal Roads has provided me with experience in a variety of different fields, the ability to finish many tasks within a short and compact schedule and hopefully help me obtain a job in the end,” she says. “Personally, Royal Roads has made my dream of going to a school next to a forest, an ocean and a castle a reality. What else could a girl ask for?”