Meet Megan Vlok, Scholarship Recipient

At Booth University College, we strive to make a high-quality education as affordable as possible through programs that recognize and reward students. We asked a few of our scholarship recipients, including Megan Vlok, what this meant for them.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE BOOTH UC?

I am from South Africa and completed my Psych degree in 2018. Then I did a pastoral counseling certificate in 2019 and was working as a community and corporate skills facilitator. Yet, I knew I wanted to further my education and perhaps study in a different country. I learned that an after-degree in social work existed in Canada, but I wasn’t sure if it would be possible because the costs for international students are very, very high. It became more of a pipe dream. Then, it was my sister who actually found Booth UC through an online search. There was an after-degree in social work, and the cost was way more realistic for me. So I applied and was accepted. Because of the pandemic, I started my studies online in 2021 and then came to Canada in 2022. Now, I will be graduating in April. I really felt it was a door opened by God.

HOW DOES THE SCHOLARSHIP YOU RECEIVED IMPACT YOUR LIFE AND/OR YOUR STUDIES?

It was huge. First, because the Canadian dollar to South African Rand is much more, any financial help is huge. It also helps me feel less anxious. I’m able to prioritize my academics because I’m not constantly thinking about my finances. And finally, it allows me to finish my education in a timely manner. I don’t have to spread it out over time. That means, hopefully, I’ll be able to get into the workplace sooner. 

HOW DO YOU PLAN ON USING YOUR "EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD"?

The social work program is intensive but I’m very grateful for that. It really is about trying to make the world a better place without repeating past mistakes. My education allows me to walk alongside people who are oppressed or vulnerable. I can support them, but in a skilled way, a professional way, and a dignified way. After I graduate in April, I hope to enter the field right away. What I'll be doing or where it will be comes down to where God takes me!