Scholarship Essay Entry – Caleb G.

“Treat others as you would like to be treated”, these are the words that have defined the last 20 years of my life. Throughout these 20 years I have attempted to give back to my community with my time. I have done this as a volunteer at my local church through Sunday school teaching, sound technician support, and through serving at other annual events. I believe that this type of generosity is important for a community to thrive and grow. As I continue with my educational career I plan on continuing to give back to my community not only with my time, but as I move into an entrepreneurial role in society I plan supporting the educational future of my community through financial means as well.

I am entering my 4th year at the University of Calgary as an accounting major in the Bachelor of Commerce program. When I am finished obtaining my degree I plan on attending the Chartered Accounting School of business to attain my Chartered Accountant designation. With this knowledge base I plan on becoming an entrepreneur in my community. I believe that one very important part of being a business person in your community is to remember how you were able to achieve your success. A large part of my success has depended on scholarships provided by generous people and organizations in the community. That is why I plan on making a conscious philanthropic effort in my community after my university career.

Currently I reside in Redcliff, Alberta and my goal is to start an annual scholarship program that would help out those students who are entering a business program and are in financial need. In my mind there is nothing that can improve a community more than providing a strong educational base for those living in it. It is opportunities like the ‘Big Bucks for Students’ scholarships that give opportunities to students like myself to finish our university careers in a better financial position and therefore in a better position to give back to our community. I believe that when people and organizations step up and help students they, in turn, set the foundation for future leaders to come back and improve society.  

Since the beginning of my university career I have realized how important philanthropists are in the community and how much they can help out students who face the rising university tuition fees and costs of living throughout our province. As prices for post-secondary continue to rise and students are forced to tighten their budgets so it is comforting that there are philanthropic organizations willing to stretch out a helping hand.   I am excited to be a part of this support in the future and to give back to the community that has done so much for me.