Assiniboine grad says scholarship made all the difference to pursuing nursing career

Kim Chartier works as a licensed practical nurse for Prairie Mountain Health. Without the scholarship she received from Assiniboine Community College, she might not have been able to pursue her chosen career.

Chartier shared her story as Assiniboine launches its second annual alumni fundraising campaign. She said her experience proves that donating to Assiniboine to fund scholarships, awards and bursaries is a great way to invest in the future of the community and the province.

“The results of last year’s campaign, when we exceeded our goal, demonstrate the community recognizes the impact our grads have on the economy, not just in Brandon, but across the entire province. So people are happy to pave the way for our students to succeed,” said Lisa Huston, the college’s alumni relations director.

Chartier remembers the impact the scholarship had on her self-esteem.

The mother of four children went back to school at age 35 to build a better future for herself, her husband and children. She was awarded an athletic scholarship because of her participation in women’s soccer and futsal, a form of indoor soccer. Chartier was named Assiniboine’s Female Athlete of the Year and also won the futsal coaches’ award.

“The scholarship just absolutely made my time here at ACC. It was a surprise. I didn’t know I was receiving it. I just thought, ‘Wow, look at me! Thirty-five years old and a scholarship for playing soccer with people who are 16 years younger than me,’” Chartier said.

“The financial burden of going to school was a stressor that a lot of students don’t need. I also had family to feed and bills to meet. I have a house and vehicles, and all these things are coming at you, when you’re stressed out already. When you have a scholarship and you can relieve that kind of stress and tension, then it makes things a lot easier,” she said.

Graduation Day last month made it all worthwhile.

“For my girls to see that Mom went back to school and Mom got her diploma, it’s amazing. It makes me tear up just thinking about it. I can have a career and show my girls that they can do anything they want,” she said.

Her message to Assiniboine alumni considering donating to this year’s alumni giving campaign: “Make a difference in someone’s life by donating whatever it is you can manage.”

Money raised in the campaign will be used for student scholarships, awards and bursaries, such as the one Chartier received. In 2017-18, Assiniboine distributed scholarships, awards and bursaries to students totaling close to $300,000.

The 2018 campaign features a new goal, a new way to pay and play, and a new location for the campaign launch.

• The goal for this year’s campaign is to raise $35,000 in 30 days, an increase of more than 16 per cent over last year’s goal of $30,000.
• Assiniboine is partnering with Escape: The Final Countdown. Teams of eight to 12 players can collect pledges from Oct. 18 to Nov. 10 to participate in the Assiniboine alumni-themed escape room.
• The campaign will be launched with a free barbecue in Virden at the Valleyview Co-op from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Oct. 18.

For more information on the campaign, or to donate, visit www.assiniboine.net/alumnigiving, email alumni@assiniboine.net or call 204.725.8739.

“Scholarships and bursaries have a huge impact on their recipients by breaking down the barriers to continuing education and enabling the realization of individual potential. Individuals, communities, businesses and institutions all win when we equip people to participate and succeed in the workplace!” said Robert Eslinger, (Business Administration, class of 1985) co-chair of this year’s campaign and member of the Alumni Association board of directors.

“Scholarships, awards and bursaries make dreams a reality for students. I have seen situations where a student receiving funds was the difference in attending post-secondary education or not. I know of the positive impact that post-secondary education has had in my life. The impact is still evident almost 10 years after graduation. Everyone should experience that,” said Caelie Walker, (Office Administration, class of 2009) campaign co-chair.

The campaign runs from Oct. 18 to Nov. 16. Nov. 15 is National Philanthropy Day.

Photo: Kim Chartier was awarded an athletic scholarship, was named Assiniboine’s Female Athlete of the Year and also won the futsal coaches’ award.