“Sometimes, I feel selfish for being back in school,” admits Adrianna Reynolds.

A mature student with a family of six children, she’s had to balance her studies with being a dedicated parent and a part-time education assistant.

“But then, I remember that by pursuing my dreams, I’m setting an example for my kids,” says Adrianna. “They’re excited about post-secondary education now, and that’s something I’m proud of.”

A fourth-year history student at UBC Okanagan, Adrianna is on a transformative path toward becoming a teacher. From Enderby, BC, she has always been drawn to working with students and making a meaningful impact in the classroom.

Her journey to higher education also included financial challenges. The support of awards and bursaries from UBC—including the Poppy Irvine Memorial Award, established by Deborah Buszard, the former Principal and Deputy Vice-Chancellor of UBC’s Okanagan campus—has been instrumental in overcoming that hurdle.

“Without these bursaries, I’m not sure I would have been able to continue my education,” says Adrianna. “It’s hard to explain how much it means—being a first-generation student with a large family, I didn’t know how to navigate the whole process of higher education. These awards have been such a relief.”

The moment she received one of her awards still stands out as a pivotal moment.

“It was so unexpected,” she recalls. “When I found out, I felt like people actually believed in me.”

Her studies in history have given her new perspectives, especially in areas she didn’t expect to explore. “I didn’t know much about Asian history before,” says Adrianna. “It really opened my eyes. Now, I’m focusing on Mediterranean and ancient history, and it’s changed the way I view the world.”

With plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education, and a Master degree after, Adrianna finds that her experience as an education assistant has only reinforced her desire to become a teacher.

“I want to bring enthusiasm to the classroom, and I hope to make learning more accessible,” she says. “Eventually, I would love to be a principal and help students navigate their own education paths.”

Through her experiences, Adrianna has become an advocate for the importance of scholarships, awards, and the broader support network that helps students like her succeed.

“Now that I know how to apply for scholarships and awards, I can help my kids—and other kids—know that there are resources out there,” she says. “There are people who want to help them follow their dreams.”

Thanks to the generosity of UBC donors, Adrianna’s journey is an inspiring example of how financial support and community can empower students to overcome challenges and reach their dreams.

“These awards aren’t just helping me financially,” she says. “They’re helping me believe in myself, and that belief is something I’ll pass on to my students.”