At NSCAD University's 2011 student awards reception, NSCAD students April Dean and Najet Ghanai spoke about what funding support means to them.
From Edmonton, Alberta, MFA student April Dean was the recipient of two scholarships: the Harrison McCain Scholarship in Memory of Marion McCain and a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant. She said both drastically altered her experience at NSCAD by allowing her to concentrate on her studio practice and research.
“I wake up every day feeling totally grateful,” said April, a printmaker. “I feel like I need to squeeze every bit of opportunity out of every single dollar that has been so generously given to me.”
Third-year student Najet Ghanai said a student's outlook changes when even one of their financial stresses is lifted—expenses that include rent, food, utilities, supplies, books, tuition and transportation. But moreover, recognition received through a scholarship acts as a confidence booster, she said. “It’s giving you credit; you’ve done something that other people have noticed. You feel your work is valued and it pushes you further.”
An interdisciplinary student interested in design and sculpture, Najet added financial support has also given her the luxury to explore her passion—furniture design—which she discovered in a foundation-year art history class. She plans to explore furniture design further through an exchange with a NSCAD partner institution in the United States.
“NSCAD has been the place for me, allowing me to narrow in on my interest while giving me the freedom to play and experiment,” said Najet, recipient of a SUNSCAD Scholarship for Student Involvement, the Sullivan Award in Memory of Mervyn D. Sullivan and a Robert Pope Foundation Undergraduate Award. “It’s so exciting to discover your passion. At first I thought it might be a fad but I’m just as hungry for furniture design as ever.”
For more information on giving to NSCAD University, please contact the Office of University Relations at 902-494-8244, email nscad.ca.