By Fallon Bourgeois

Andrea Barrera-Navarro has had her sights set on Dalhousie for a long time. As a grade 12 student at Cole Harbour High, she attended the university’s annual fall open house, where she not only applied, but was accepted on the spot through early admissions.

But even with her acceptance, she wasn’t quite sure if her dreams of studying at Dal would come to be. That is until she learned that she was the recipient of the Bissett Scholarship – a day she won’t soon forget.

“When my teachers told me the news of my scholarship, I was ecstatic! It removed the financial barriers that stood between me and a university education.”

Just days before starting classes in September, Andrea found herself under an extremely stressful set of circumstances. “My family situation changed suddenly. I had to move out of my home and find alternative accommodations,” she says. “I hadn’t planned on that added expense. Without my scholarship, it’s difficult to say where I would be right now.”

While many students would have been at a loss, Andrea rallied and triumphed with the support of her close group of friends, boyfriend, and even her employers, who she says are respectful and supportive of her situation. “They know my studies come first.”

She is majoring in biochemistry and molecular biology but finds herself equally interested in both science and the arts. “Some students complain because they have to take math, or English, but I wish I could take every class,” says Andrea with a laugh. “I’ve always thought I’d like to be a surgeon, but I’m also considering law because of my interest in social sciences.”

She plans to take the time during her undergraduate degree to learn and explore exactly what will suit her best in the future. But for right now, she’s cherishing her time at Dal.

“I’ve moved around a lot, coming to Dalhousie feels like I have a place to settle. I’m so happy to be here and grateful that my scholarship has provided this opportunity.”