We are pleased to introduce the Foundation’s first batch of post-secondary bursary recipients for the school year 2017-2018 – Carla Hick, B.Sc. Applied Biology, Food and Environment from UBC and Jessica Hill, BASc Sustainable Agriculture from Kwantlen Polytechnic University.
Jessica Hill is passionate about healthy food and communities. She has spent time learning about urban farms in Cuba, living off-grid communities and teaching youth how to run farmers markets in Vancouver. She loves to travel, learn from Indigenous communities and celebrate life over home cooked meals with friends. Jessica will be sharing her garden expertise in a guest blog soon. Read more about her here.
Why did you choose to study Sustainable Agriculture (Bachelor of Applied Science) at KPU?
Jessica harvesting and eating sweet sorghum at the KPU terraces.
I chose to study Sustainable Agriculture at KPU because I’m interested in learning about how to create a food system that allows for a healthy planet for future generations. I see food as a powerful tool. How we grow food and distribute it, shapes the health of our bodies, communities, and planet. Agriculture has always been a huge guiding force throughout human history. I want to learn how I can contribute to a positive direction.
How did you find out about the bursary program of the Foundation?
I learned about this through the Student Awards and Financial Assistance program at KPU.
How do you think the work of the Foundation aligns with your field of study?
The Foundation aligns with my field of study because we are both planting seeds for a healthier future. I am grateful to see that youth involvement, seed saving and healthy communities are focus points of the Foundation. These are all directly related to my field of study in helping to build a sustainable food system.
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
Jessica holding coffee tree fruit at a farm in Cuba.
I see myself working on a variety of projects after graduation. Particularly, I am most passionate about is helping to create eco-villages that model a way of life which nourishes individuals, communities and the earth.
What’s your favourite famous quote & why?
I love the quote by Margaret Meade, “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only that ever has.”
It is so true. Everything we do, even in small numbers, makes a difference: Every community garden, every classroom of inspired students, and every Foundation planting seeds for a brighter future.
We are proud to support Jessica Hill and Carla Hick in their academic goals. They bring inspiration and innovation in our communities.
We’ll have more about Carla Hick soon…
========================================================
If you’re excited as we are about our first harvest of bursary recipients, please donate now to the Foundation so that we’re able to support more post-secondary students in Canada.
Or if you would like to personally support the Foundation’s work in post-secondary education bursaries, please contact us. You can also sign-up to become a Friend of the Foundation to get updates about our work.
