As many first-year students can attest, coming to university means you will undoubtedly become part of a new community. For Alexandra Stephenson, she became a part of one she never would have expected – the scientific community.

And that changed her education and future endeavours in ways she’d never imagined.

Discovering a passion for science

“I came to Dalhousie enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program; my intention was to major in French.  During my first year I took a biology course as a requirement, but when we got to the section on cells, it changed my whole outlook… I completely fell in love with science.”

Alexandra became so intrigued by the study of cell biology that she ultimately switched to a Bachelor of Science, which meant her undergrad would take five years rather than the anticipated four. And she is quick to note, had it not been for the J & W Murphy Scholarship, she very well may have stuck to her original plan and not pursued her new-found passion.

The possibility to change plans

“University is expensive, especially when you add an extra year,” says Alexandra. “Fortunately the financial support of my scholarship, along with teaching piano lessons part-time, allowed me to follow this new path, and not have to worry about the costs associated with an additional year.”

And though she switched to the Faculty of Science, where she says it’s amazing to work with professors who have made such great contributions to science, she still loves the arts and has continued to take language programs. In fact, next year Alexandra will graduate with a combined honours in biology and French.

Looking towards a career of impact

With her sights set on medical school after her undergrad, she’s looking for a career that will combine her love of science with working with people, especially children.

“I hope to be a pediatrician someday. It’s amazing to think how much my focus and interests have changed,” says Alexandra. “My education and future would have been very different if not for my scholarship.  It was the deciding factor in coming to Dalhousie and if I didn’t come here, it’s very like I would never have discovered my passion for science. I’m extremely grateful for all it has provided me, especially finding the path that’s right for me.”