Seneca Alumni

Thanks to your generosity, to date, more than 515 deserving Seneca students received a $500 bursary. Below are some of the many students sharing their stories and thanking you for your contribution to the Pay It Forward Challenge.

“Thank you to the donors that made it possible for me to receive the Alumni Pay It Forward bursary. It will significantly assist me in achieving my career goals. I have a bachelor's degree in Psychology and will soon have my social service work diploma. My goal is to become a social worker and I have applied to several social work degree programs at various universities. This Pay It Forward bursary will help me cover the costs associated with my university applications. It’s a relief to receive financial support as a student. I am very grateful to the donors who made it possible for me to receive this award and I look forward to achieving my goal of becoming a social worker in the future.”

— Adedotun Olanrewaju, Accelerated Social Service Work – Immigrants and Refugees

“This bursary was the great inspiration and help and I cannot be more appreciative. My old laptop finally gave up a few months ago and I was not yet able to replace it, and as an Information Security student in his third year, not having a laptop or computer at home, is a disaster. Not only it is a real help in achieving my goals and continuing my education, it sends a powerful message that people do care, and it is beautiful. I hope one day I can give back to the community and "pay it forward", and I will. Thank you."

— Ali Reza Abedzadeh Anaraki, Honours Bachelor of Technology – Informatics and Security

“I wish to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for your support. It means so much to not just me but to my family. I was honestly feeling down and depressed because of my tuition’s payments, which were a real struggle to pay this semester, due to a death in the family. The emotional and financial toll of laying my father-in-law to rest, who had no health or life insurance, was overwhelming. You were the light at the end of the tunnel when all looked dark. Thank you very much.” 

— Aray Brown, Electronic Engineering Technology

“By awarding me the Alumni Pay It Forward bursary, you have lightened my financial burden which allows me to focus more on the most important aspect of school; learning. Your generosity has inspired me to help others and give back to the community. One day, I hope I will be able to help students achieve their goals, just as you have helped me. Thank you very much.”

— Asifur Rahman, Computer Systems Technology

“This award is very helpful for my family because it is extremely tough to survive in Canada as an international student who has a family to support. That is why I am so grateful for your generosity. I really appreciate it. Thank you.”

— Byongchun Kang, International Business

“I would like to express my gratitude for your financial support. With your generosity, I am able to focus more on my studies and feel less financial pressure. It is a thin line between being courageous and crazy when you are a family of four with two young kids and decide to move to a new country to study – but I know that I made the right decision. On behalf of all the students working to overcome their financial difficulties to achieve their dreams, I would like to thank you again for your valuable support.”

— Can Sarikahya, Event Marketing

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude for your continued support to students who need it most. This award will increase my motivation to study harder and will cover my travelling expenses to and from school. This is a huge relief for me as a single mother, because I work on my weekends to support my children. Donors like you have made my life brighter, and I hope that one day I will be able to bring a smile to another needy student. I want you to know that your generous support will help me achieve my future goals.”

— Diana Garoza, Social Service Worker

"I would like to thank my donor for paying it forward by providing me with the opportunity to obtain additional certificates that will allow me to excel in my career as a forensic social worker. This award has given me the opportunity to register for my Understanding & Managing Aggressive Behaviour certification offered through the Toronto Hostels Training Centre. I am overwhelmed with joy because I have the ability to obtain my certificates prior to completing my bachelor of social work. As an independent full-time student and part-time employee at the YMCA, it is an honour to receive this bursary as I no longer have to worry about covering all of these extra costs. Thank you!”

— Vanessa Chambers, Social Service Worker – Refugees and Immigrants

“I am so thankful to have been awarded the Alumni Pay It Forward bursary. My parents both work full-time and sometimes two jobs to help with everyday necessities for our large family. As the eldest of five children, it feels good to be able to contribute to lessen some of my household’s many expenses, all thanks to your generosity.”

— Michael Di Petta, Fire Protection Engineering Technology

“This award has helped me in more ways than you can imagine. I am working towards one day becoming a professional engineer. I am an international student and my mother supports me while I work part-time. In the past year, I lost my father to cancer, which took a toll on my family – financially and emotionally. This bursary really helped to keep me motivated and feel supported financially as I work towards completing my studies at Seneca. I know it was not an obligation and for that I thank you for creating the opportunity for students like myself to receive additional help.”

— Rachelle Earle, Civil Engineering Technology