Roven's pathway
Financial strain left Roven on the brink of dropping out, but her determination never wavered. A donor-funded bursary kept her on track to achieving her educational goals.
Spreading her wings
Growing up in Etobicoke, Ontario, Roven Brooks-Stephenson always dreamed of leaving her suburban life and creating a fresh start on the west coast. After high school, Roven took a leap of faith and moved to Victoria—all by herself. She knew no one, but that did not stop her from spreading her wings and embracing the unknown.
“UVic was my main choice because it felt like it could be my home away from home…I knew it was the right choice immediately. The moment I stepped onto campus it felt like home.”
Settling into her new home, Roven was eager to learn as much as she could and dove right into her courses during her first semester. “I knew UVic had great electives and field schools, and I wanted to take advantage of them,” says Roven.
Financial uncertainty
Growing up below the poverty line, Roven’s family relied on social services and government assistance to make ends meet. The biggest challenge during Roven’s first year was budgeting. Coming from out of province, it was hard for her to find a place to live and afford groceries and textbooks. Roven had a student loan, but it was simply not enough to cover her tuition, housing and the rising cost of everyday expenses.
Before the beginning of her second semester, she faced a serious dilemma—the numbers just weren’t adding up. Could she continue at UVic?
“Receiving my initial funds and seeing it not be enough was so scary for me…I didn’t know what to do.”
After talking to her support system, Roven’s mom encouraged her to go to the financial aid office on campus and apply for scholarships and bursaries. “That was the best decision ever," she says.
Turning point
Receiving the Sara and Jean MacDonald Bursary was a turning point that allowed Roven’s educational journey to continue.
“Without this money, I would not have been able to complete my first year at UVic. I have no idea what that would have meant for me… if I had to drop out and return home.”
Roven was beyond relieved she could finish her first year of university without the burden of financial stress. She could now take the courses she wanted, build her friendships in Victoria and focus more on her studies.
Roven has made the most of her time at UVic so far and hopes to become even more involved in the campus community. As an elected board representative for the Students of Colour Collective, Roven feels passionate about advocating for students of colour at UVic. She is committed to ensuring minority groups have a voice in decision making on campus.
“For anyone who thinks university is beyond reach for you, it is not. I know the scholarship part is really scary, but there are loans, there are bursaries, there are different pathways. I didn’t know there was a pathway here at UVic, and I found one.”
Pathways to Education Fund
No two journeys are alike, but the UVic Pathways to Education Fund supports students wherever they are on their path and brings them closer to achieving their dreams and goals.
provides direct financial support for students through scholarships, bursaries and awards.