The GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Trust awards thousands of dollars each year to students with an SCI or related physical disability pursuing post-secondary education in BC. Read on to learn how this funding helped Mitch Wheeler return to school and work towards providing for his family.
What are you currently studying?
I am currently studying Pre Calculus 12.
Why did you choose this course?
I want to pursue a career in the area of construction, so I chose this course because it’s a prerequisite for construction estimating and drafting and design.
How has receiving the GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Trust helped you pursue your academic and personal goals?
The scholarship has been essential in helping me pursue my academic and personal goals by completely removing that financial stress. I’ve been able to move towards my re-training goal without the added stress of not working.
The GRAGOPEAN Scholarship Trust also helped me buy a laptop, which has been instrumental in allowing me to attend my classes during COVID through web platforms and to complete my assignments online. I would have never been able to do this without it.
How do you hope to use this education to pursue future goals?
My goal is to be able to work and provide for my family again. I hope this education will give me the skills to help me do this.
What’s the greatest lesson you’ve learned since receiving the scholarship?
The greatest lesson I’ve learned since receiving the scholarship and starting school is that there is help if you look for it. In my case, the biggest burden to going back to school was being able to afford it, but the scholarship funding has made this possible.
Do you have any advice for future applicants?
My advice is to apply and ask for supplies to be successful. The GRAGOPEAN is not only there to lessen the financial burden but it’s also there to help you get the supplies or resources you need to achieve what you want.
