Thriving with Support at Selkirk College
Hello, my name is Adrian Moyls and I’m in my second year of the Selkirk College Social Work Program. I’ve recently turned 30 and came out of my first year in the program having experienced the best school year of my entire life. I am the college’s Student Ambassador Coordinator and help facilitate, plan and manage Healthy Campus events. Providing leadership in my graduating year is an honour and I value the opportunity of helping my peers just starting their college experience.
Coming from very little as a young boy, I witnessed and experienced extreme poverty growing up in Nelson. My father raised me and my older brother alone at the time when there wasn’t a lot of support for single dads. He sacrificed his health and job opportunities to make sure our basic needs were met. It wasn’t due to anything within my father’s control and he did the best he could, but it didn’t always work out. Growing up, I remember many times that I wasn’t able to partake in activities or explore my talents to the fullest. I had to grab my first job at 11-years-old, doing a paper route so I could start contributing to the bills at home.
Light Found in Helping Others
As I type this letter, tears stream down my face. I lost my father a few years ago to a sudden heart attack. I was completely shattered and lost. Out of the darkness, I found light in helping others by working as a mentor for at-risk youth while at my alternative high school. It completely changed my life, putting me on the pathway to where I find myself now. I have found true passion, purpose, value and meaning through transforming the challenges of my early life into an opportunity to help others.
In my quest for formal education at Selkirk College, the task is no less daunting. I am now a single father myself to a beautiful two-year-old boy. I take six classes and work three jobs to support my son, myself, my family and my friends in whatever way I can. Earlier this year, my car broke down and I had no resources to pay for it. I remember feeling despair and hopelessness because at the time I was heading to my first-year practicum placement. Living an hour away from the college, it was an absolute necessity that I had a vehicle for both my studies and to pick up my son. As I considered my options, I reached out to the college’s Financial Aid Department as a last resort. I was provided emergency funding within a few days that completely saved my entire situation. I couldn’t believe it.
Community Care for Students a Blessing
On a daily basis, I attempt to exhibit strength for both my son and those who depend on me. Through this process, I’ve learned that showing vulnerability and accepting help at certain times in life is very important. Upon receiving this financial gift from the college, I discovered more about the individual and organizational donors that support Selkirk College. I feel extremely touched and blessed to live in an area of the world where the community really does care about aspiring students. You incredible individuals inspire and facilitate hope in our hearts. What you are creating is opportunity for success. These actions will not be forgotten.
The struggles students face today are compounded by this unforeseen global pandemic. Financial stability has been thrust to the forefront, putting unexpected pressures onto people’s lives. It is a blessing to know that at a time like this, when isolation and mental health issues are ubiquitous, that there are people like you out there. You continue to make a monumental difference and fill our hearts.
Sincerely,
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