My name is Amanda Gray, and I am deeply grateful to be a recipient of a 2017 COPA scholarship. In the coming fall, I will be beginning my studies at Simon Fraser University and working towards a Bachelor of Science. As an avid animal lover, I hope to find a career in the field of biological sciences that allows me to make a positive impact on the natural world. In the meantime, I have dedicated my time to volunteering for organizations such as Urban Safari Rescue Society that pride themselves in educating the public on animal care and conservation. I have also volunteered for Greener Pastures – an organization associated with the BC Standardbred Horse Adoption Society that finds recreational homes for off-the-track racehorses. It is through this volunteer work that I have affirmed my passion for lending a helping hand to animals in my community. As I begin my journey through post-secondary education, I plan to continue making contributions to my community and implementing the knowledge I gain as a student in making a difference in the lives of animals. Furthermore, I intend to extend these contributions beyond my own community and learn more about the diverse range of species and ecosystems across the world that are also in need of assistance. I would like to sincerely thank the COPA Scholarship Fund for aiding me in reaching my educational goals and helping me to explore my opportunities in post-secondary education as an aspiring biologist.

My name is Gabriel Jodhan, I am 18 years old and live in Aurora, ON. I attended Lester B Pearson Elementary and Aurora High School under the French Immersion Program. At both schools I participated in many competitive sports team namely, Basketball, Volleyball, Badminton and Soccer and at both schools I was awarded the MVP and Athletics Player Award. In the fall of 2017, I’ll be entering my first year of Communication Program at York University; I am also enrolled in the co-op program and plan to take full advantage of the opportunity to earn practical experience before completing by 4 year Bachelor’s Degree.
Apart from my academics, I’ll also be part of the York Lions Men’s Soccer team. From the age of 5 I’ve been playing competitive soccer and I have invested a lot of time, training and dedication in my development. One of my notable accomplishments was when I was part of Team Ontario playing soccer in the Canada Summer Game in Manitoba, Winnipeg 2017. We represented our province well and came home with the Gold Medal.
Being a recipient of this scholarship, I am extremely thankful to COPA and all of its contributors for accepting me as one of the recipient of this bursary and for supporting me throughout this journey. I am forever grateful as it will definitely help in reducing my financial burden in my higher education.

Je m’appelle Catherine Gaudreau, j’ai 24 ans et voici pourquoi je me suis inscrite à cette bourse d’études.

J’ai toujours eu beaucoup de facilité à l’école et mes parents n’ont jamais été inquiet pour moi. En sortant du secondaire, j’ai choisi d’aller au collège Lionel-Groulx en Arts et lettres, communication et cinéma. Vers la fin de ma troisième session du cégep, je ne sais pas du tout ce que je veux faire ensuite. Mon frère David me conseille de réaliser ma passion : la cuisine. J’annonce alors à mes parents que je désire devenir chef cuisinière. En 2012, je m’inscris à l’école hôtelière des Laurentides ; et comme il ne me restait qu’une seule session au collège, il n’y avait pas de problème (le timing était parfait)…Du moins c’est ce que je pensais! J’ai dû abandonner mes cours collégiaux à cause de la grève étudiante qui s’était étirée sur 2 ou 3 mois, car les cours ont repris en même temps que la rentrée à l’école hôtelière. J’ai finalement persévéré sur cette voie en obtenant mon DEP en cuisine et par la suite mon ASP en cuisine du marché. Je suis ensuite allée faire un stage culinaire en France; où j’ai vécu l’une des plus belles expériences de ma vie. En 2014, en revenant de mon stage, je suis retournée sur les bancs d’école pour terminer mon DEC à Lionel-Groulx. J’ai travaillé à quelques endroits pour finalement devenir chef, et par être découragée de l’expérience. C’est ce qui me m’a mené à la croisée des chemins: j’ai décidé de suivre une formation universitaire pour devenir enseignante du primaire.

My name is Rachael Iseman and I am from Toronto, Ontario. I am 18 years old and I have just completed my senior year of high school. I have the pleasure of attending Queen’s University in the fall, where I will be studying General Science for my first year. Being in a General Science program allows me to explore the various branches of science such as Chemistry, Biology, Physics, and Math. I will hopefully then be following my passion of Biology by studying Life Sciences second year and onward, followed by Medical School after graduation. My interest in the sciences and my love for helping others has led me to pursue a career in the medical field, and I hope to one day be able to provide health care to those in need. Throughout high school, I participated in various clubs and councils that aided me in learning about both leadership and teamwork. I also had the pleasure of volunteering at Markham-Stouffville Hospital in the emergency department where I was able to experience the many aspects of being a Doctor. These various skills will help me with future endeavours in both my career and my personal life. I would like to sincerely thank COPA, its member companies, and my family for the support in pursing my post-secondary education and pursing my dreams of helping others.