Scholarship Essay Entry – Christopher T.

Dreams for the Global Community
I constantly strive to enhance the quality of life for citizens of the global community in a variety of ways. Since the fall of 2006, I have been involved with Big Brothers, Big sisters of Edmonton as an in school mentor. In this capacity, I spend individual time with a student on a weekly basis. In the fall of 2008, my wife and I decided to spend some time volunteering in Kenya. For three months, we volunteered with International Volunteer Headquarters, based out of New Zealand. This opportunity allowed me to teach four different classes at Saikeri Primary School, in the tiny village of Saikeri in rural Kenya. While in Kenya, I tried to find other ways to help the community of Saikeri. One way that I decided to help the community was by facilitating a fundraising campaign at Archbishop Jordan High School in Sherwood Park and John Paul II High School in Fort Saskatchewan. These efforts were very successful and before I left Kenya, I was able to use the money raised at these two schools in Canada to purchase a pair of shoes for each of the 400 students at Saikeri Primary School. I was also able to purchase school supplies including books, rulers, pens, and pencils, and finally, coordinate the building of a gate for a fence around the schoolyard.

My previous experiences have enhanced my desire to create a lasting difference in our world. It is for this reason, that I will commence my studies at the University of Alberta's Faculty of Law this September.

I dream of a day when we can truly find world peace, when throughout our world, we find gender equity, where people do not judge others based upon their customs, their religion, their sexual orientation, or their native language.  The image that I have for our world is one where communities include people of various backgrounds and these networks labour together to enhance the quality of life for others around them. My vision is for a world where there is no corruption and where governments strive to make their country, region, or municipality a better place for all citizens.

I recognize that these may seem like lofty goals, but having travelled throughout Canada, as well as to Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Europe, I have witnessed first hand a number of hardships that people live on a daily basis. I strongly believe that I will be able to use my legal education, in conjunction with my love of languages, my interest in cultures, and my burning desire to change the world to truly make a difference. My law degree will aid me on my journey to help rebuild war torn countries, to guide transitional governments, and to help the marginalized people of forgotten corners of the world such as the aboriginal peoples in Canada. Upon completion of my studies, I will continue my work to make the global community a better place for all.