Because Terry Fox pursued his dream, Wendy Corden will be able to follow hers.
The soon-to-be Hapnot Collegiate graduate has received a 2016 Terry Fox Humanitarian Award, a scholarship worth $28,000 over four years.
“I began to cry with joy,” said Corden, 17, recounting the phone call informing her she had received the award. “I was so honoured to be considered a Terry Fox Scholar, and I realized then and there that I was able to pursue my dream of going to university and becoming an educator.”
Corden is one of just 19 Canadian students to receive the award, out of thousands of applicants. The scholarship recognizes students who display humanitarianism, determination, strong academic skills and a commitment to sports.
Corden, who has been a tutor and volunteer mentor at École McIsaac School, was also required to compose an essay for her application. She wrote about customized teaching methods for individual students.
“I have experienced firsthand how each student learns differently,” she said.
Corden had always admired Fox, the iconic anti-cancer crusader whose Marathon of Hope continues to inspire millions of people decades after his death.
She watched her own grandmother struggle to win a battle with cancer, but she knows not everyone is so fortunate.
“That is why Terry Fox’s determination to run across Canada to raise money for cancer research still amazes and encourages me,” said Corden, who works as a cashier at North of 53 Consumers Co-op.
While not nearly as serious as the cancer that claimed Fox’s life, Corden had to overcome a health-related challenge after being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes as a child.
“It was very difficult for me at times because many of my peers did not understand my diabetes, and they often treated me different,” she said. “However, that obstacle gave me perspective because I soon realized I didn’t always understand what others go through, either.”
Corden, who graduates from Hapnot on Wednesday, plans to attend the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon this fall. She hopes to earn a bachelor’s degree in education and become a teacher.
“My dream is to encourage my future students to reach their full potential,” she said.
“I love school and am passionate about education.”
