Mac alumna knows the value of a bursary
Mayzelle Parawan, 22, benefited from a McMaster Student Opportunity Fund bursary during her final year as an undergraduate. Donate today to the 125 Bursary Challenge to help other students like Mayzelle.
The McMaster 125 Bursary Challenge wraps up at 4 p.m. Thursday, but there’s still plenty of time to make a difference.
When Mayzelle Parawan decided to visit the Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships on a whim, she didn’t know what to expect. One year later, she credits that trip as one of the best decisions of her young life.
“I would like to express how truly helpful bursaries are for university students,” says Parawan, who benefited from a McMaster Student Opportunity Fund bursary during the 2011/12 academic year.”I know first hand what it’s like to be a university student on a tight budget.”
Established in 1996, the Student Opportunity program offers bursaries to students enrolled in any program who demonstrate financial need. The 22-year-old from Toronto was already working part-time at the campus pharmacy in between classes, but knew it simply wasn’t enough to cover all of her expenses, including rent, textbooks and tuition.
“Being a working student with a busy academic schedule was sometimes difficult. I was always thankful for bursaries that were allocated towards groceries, rent and other financial costs,” says Parawan, who graduated with an Honours B.Sc. (Life Sciences) in June. “Knowing I had some extra money on hand allowed me to be less anxious about missing a work shift due to a midterm or an exam.”
The Student Opportunity Fund didn’t just help Parawan. It was also a big relief to her family back home in Toronto. Unlike a student loan, bursaries provide much-needed funding that doesn’t need to be paid back after graduation.
“I was happy knowing that I was also helping my family. They didn’t have to worry about giving me money for expenses in school. Bursaries don’t just benefit students. They also help in times of unforeseen circumstances such as a personal or familial crises.”
Parawan is currently pursuing a second degree at McMaster while applying to a graduate program in speech-language pathology.
Hoping to assist a student like Mayzelle? Every gift made during the two-day 125 Bursary Challenge will be matched by the University, and even small gifts can make a big difference. All funds raised during the challenge will directly impact students in the Hamilton area.
Click here to donate and change a student’s life.
