The awards are supported by more than 50 ABIC member companies and a committee of 20 volunteers from donor companies and colleagues in the industry looking to encourage young Bermudians to join the sector.

Over the past 42 years, the program has supported over 650 Bermudian students pursuing full undergraduate or postgraduate degrees at accredited colleges or universities abroad. Applications are invited from students in both the government and private sector schools as well as from students already enrolled in degree programs.

The scholarship awards are made based on a combination of the applicant’s financial need, academic ability and field of study. Other criteria include the applicant’s awareness of the role of international business in Bermuda and their level of involvement in and commitment to the community.

The undergraduate award to each recipient is $15,000 per year for a two-year period while the postgraduate award is valued at $20,000 for one year. Approximately 50-60 applications are received from students annually, and as many as 20 students are awarded each year.

Before interviewing, the shortlisted students attend an interview workshop given by PwC HR leaders, and each awarded student is matched with a mentor who is an experienced professional who will provide one-on-one contact, support, knowledge sharing, perspective and wisdom that will help the scholars with their education and career decisions.

Three additional grants are announced at the awards luncheon. The Michelle Outerbridge Memorial Award is valued at $5,000 and sponsored by the ABIC membership. Michelle was a 2000 scholarship recipient and is remembered for her enthusiasm for life, academic ability and all-round vitality which left a lasting impression on all that met her. The Stephen Edwards Memorial Award is valued at $5,000 and sponsored by Lombard Odier Trust (Bermuda) Ltd. Stephen was a 2014 scholar who is remembered as a passionate and athletically gifted young man and a role model to young and old, local and abroad in the sport of Rugby. The Shernelle Outerbridge Memorial Award is sponsored by Zurich in the amount of $15,000. Mrs Outerbridge, the late CEO of Zurich Investment Services Limited, was a 1984 award recipient. This special memorial award is a fitting tribute to Mrs Outerbridge’s character and achievements and specifically her contribution to business in Bermuda.

In 2017 and in celebration of the 40th anniversary of the ABIC Education Awards program, the alumni created an Alumni Award intended to support mature individuals who can demonstrate a strong employment history and who are interested in upgrading their skillsets to re-train for careers in IB or who wish to obtain an undergraduate degree leading to a career in IB. This year’s awardee is Nicole Walker, an online student of Mount Saint Vincent University pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration with a major in management and a minor in strategic human resources.

The 2020 ABIC Education Awards deadline is April 3rd and students can apply at www.bermudascholarships.com. All questions about the ABIC Education Awards program can be directed to Greta Peters at 293-4600 or [email protected]

The post 42 Years of Scholarship Giving appeared first on RG Magazines.

To realise the vision, action and the mission, we employ talented Bermudians who are passionate about having a career in healthcare and who are pursuing tertiary education to reach their goals.

Bermuda Hospitals Board gave out its first education grants of $2500 each in 1975 to six young Bermudians and three members of staff. It has continued to provide scholarships for the past 44 years.

Supporting future healthcare workers helps develop a talent pipeline of Bermudians who are able to achieve the requisite qualifications to be employed to care for our community. It gives us great pleasure, therefore, to support Bermudians who are seeking a career in the exciting and diverse field of healthcare through the BHB Scholarship Programme.

What careers and education pathways does the Bermuda Hospitals Board Scholarship support? 

We support a diverse range of careers, as we need people across healthcare, support and administrative professions to support front line care. Nursing professions – especially in specialist areas such as mental health, emergency, surgery, intensive care and maternity – these are areas of high need for us.

We rely on a high number of guest workers in these professions, and with a global shortage in nurses means recruiting for these positions is becoming more and more difficult. This means Bermudians who want to be nurses are more precious than diamonds!

In addition, Allied Health professionals are also highly sought after. This includes physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dietetics, medical technologists, diagnostic imaging technologists, etc.

Bermudians studying medicine are also key people we want to support, as another area of projected need for BHB is in our hospitalist programme. We also need Bermudian physicians in speciality areas such as psychiatry.

BHB looks at the employee data on a regular basis to project areas of need and renewal of work permits to align the rewarding of scholarships to ensure that there are qualified Bermudians in the talent pipeline for replacement planning purposes.

What are the different scholarships Bermuda Hospitals Board offer? 

GlaxoSmithKline Scholarship, which is valued at BD$20,000 per annum for a period of two (2) years, will be awarded to an outstanding student. This scholarship is funded by GlaxoSmithKline Insurance Ltd., a Bermuda based subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline plc. This will be going up to $25,000 in the upcoming year.

BHB General Scholarships are valued up to BD$15,000 per annum for a maximum period of four (4) years and are awarded to people studying in all healthcare-related fields.

BHB Finance Scholarships are valued up to BD$15,000 for a maximum period of two (2) years.

BHB Mental Health Scholarships are valued at BD$40,000 per annum for a maximum period of two (2) years. Applicants must have completed the Associate’s Nursing Degree at the Bermuda College. Students will be undertaking Mental Health Nurse Training and upon successful completion of the programme, will have attained a B.Sc. in Nursing (Mental Health). Successful applicants will be enrolled at the University of Northampton in the U.K.

BHB’s Dashunte Furbert Scholarships are valued up to BD$5,000 per annum for a maximum period of two (2) years. Applicants will complete the Associate’s Nursing Degree at the Bermuda College.

Who is able to apply for the Bermuda Hospitals Board Scholarship?

BHB is pleased to offer scholarships and awards to deserving young Bermudians who have an interest in pursuing a career in healthcare or finance. Applicants for Bermuda Hospitals Board Scholarships and Awards must have completed at least two years of post-secondary education, have been accepted into a core programme and be pursuing a career in healthcare, or finance.

Applicants must be enrolled in an accredited educational institution approved by a relevant licensing council and maintain at least a 3.0 grade-point average or equivalent.

Successful applicants are required to work for BHB two (2) years for each year the scholarship is awarded.

Where do readers find out more information on the Bermuda Hospitals Scholarship? 

Bermudascholarships.com

When do readers apply for the Bermuda Hospitals Scholarships? 

March 1 – April 30th annually

This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships.

The post Bermuda Hospitals Board Scholarship appeared first on RG Magazines.

A: No. bermudascholarships.com is a free service for Bermuda’s students.

Q: Can I apply for a scholarship if I do not know what college I’m going to attend?

A: Though some of the scholarships indicate that a student must be accepted or enrolled in a school, in most cases, this actually means by interview time. Your scholarship provider will expect you to show a letter of acceptance from a college before they give you the money.

Q: How can I prepare to be a scholarship applicant?

A: This is especially critical for middle and senior school students. First, make sure you participate in a variety of extracurricular activities that will help you develop new interests and add diversity to your resume. Focus on pursuing hobbies and activities that you are passionate about. Secondly, become familiar with the award criteria of scholarships within your potential field(s) of interest so that you can participate in activities that will build your resume over time in favour of those requirements. Thirdly, learn all you can about careers that interest you.

Q: If I did not win a scholarship this year, can I apply again next year?

A: Yes. Unless you no longer qualify, you can re-apply. However remember to update your profile, write a new essay and remove old essays.

Q: Can I apply for scholarships after my freshman year in college?

A: Yes. One of the biggest mistakes students make is that they stop applying for scholarships after they are in college. Many scholarships are targeted at students already in college. You should also ask your college about academic scholarships and other types of financial aid as many offer financial assistance to attract and keep talented students.

Q: Can I receive more than one scholarship?

A: In most cases, the answer is yes, unless one of the scholarships you are awarded is a full scholarship covering all your expenses. Due to the high cost of tuition many scholarship providers allow recipients to accept other awards as long as they don’t add up to more than the total college costs, airfares, books, etc. It is important to check the award criteria. Some scholarship providers may stipulate that you can only accept one other scholarship, but most are flexible as long as you keep them informed.

Q: Should I bother applying for scholarships even if I don’t have perfect grades?

A: Yes. Many scholarships take financial need into consideration, and some also are specifically aimed at assisting the B and C grade students. They may also focus on other factors like character, motivation, leadership, volunteer activities and career focus.

Q: Do all scholarships require an essay?

A: Most do, but they are often only a few hundred words long. Essays are the best way for scholarship judges to get to know you and what motivates your career ambitions – beyond your grades and other information provided on the application form. Visual and performing arts scholarships may also require a portfolio or project.

Q: Can I transfer my scholarship if I go to another school?

A: Usually. If the scholarship is from an organization, you can probably transfer the scholarship, as long as you contact the scholarship provider first to ask if they will continue to fund you. If the scholarship is from a college, you can only use it at that specific college.

Q: Can I lose my scholarship once it has been awarded?

A: Yes. Most scholarships are for more than one year, but you have to meet the requirements to keep the award for the next year. These usually include maintaining a certain GPA level, not changing your major, notification of any change in circumstances (e.g. changing colleges), etc.

Q: If I win a scholarship, will my college take away some of their financial aid?

A: Maybe. If you receive an entry scholarship from your college, they will require you to report other scholarships that you are awarded and may then adjust the amount they are giving you accordingly.

Q: Can I win a scholarship if my parents are well off?

A: Yes. There are two types of scholarships: need-based and merit-based, and they will usually state which they are on the application form. Need-based scholarships take into account your financial need. Your parents will be asked to complete an income statement similar to a bank loan form, and just because they own their own home, it doesn’t mean that they are well off.

Q: What is a renewable scholarship?

A: Renewable scholarships are awarded for multiple years and are re-awarded each year as long as the student continues to meet the scholarship requirements, such as maintaining a certain GPA level. Scholarships state whether they are awarded for one year or multiple years.

Q: Are scholarships only available to college students?

A: No, there are awards available for students in primary, middle and senior school. These are usually awarded directly by the school and are often bursaries based on need. Ask at your school office for details.

This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships.

The post bermudascholarships.com – Frequently asked questions appeared first on RG Magazines.

Applying to university or college can be a daunting task. Knowing the lingo can help. Below is a glossary of terms that you may encounter as you get started in this exciting process:

The following words are used in more than one country:

Deferral: Holding an offer until the following year.

Grant: This is a sum of money offered by a business or school to assist with tuition. There is no obligation to repay a grant.

Liberal arts: A school or a course of study specialising in the humanities, including literature, the arts, natural sciences, social sciences etc. It is broad and ideal for students uncertain of future career objectives.

Major: A concentration of courses in a specialised field of study, making up approximately one-third of your total classes. Many students who are firm in their career objectives will choose a major.

Merit-based: Grants and scholarships awarded without consideration of financial need. Merit awards are made on the basis of academic achievement, musical talent, athletic prowess, etc.

Minor: Courses in your minor include a concentration of several courses, but less in number than required of a major. 

Need-based: This grant, scholarship and other financial aid monies are awarded on the basis of financial need. This is not to say, however, that merit is not involved in the decisions about need-based awards!

Postgraduate: A course of study for graduate students, which involves one or two years’ additional work after a degree and leads to a master’s degree.

Recommendation letter: This is a critical component of scholarship and college applications. Most colleges will ask for one or two letters of recommendation. When you decide who you would like to have write a letter of recommendation on your behalf, remember that person is doing you a favour and so be appreciative and act in a timely manner. 

Regular admission: Colleges choose a specific date (usually mid-March for Canadian universities and April for American universities) by which they will have reviewed all candidates for admission. They try to let all applicants know at the same time, except those students who have applied for Early Decision/Early Admission. An offer in regular admission is non-binding on the applicant.

Scholarship: This is ‘free’ money, which is awarded as recognition of some specific attribute, which may be academic, musical or athletic, among other things. Awards may be merit-based or need-based or a combination of the two. Scholarship money does not have to be repaid. 

Transcript: A list of all of the courses you have taken, the grade and credit you received in each course, the total number of required and elected courses and your class rank. Colleges require a transcript as part of the admissions package.

The following words are used mostly in the United States:

AA or AS: Associate of Arts or Science degrees are two-year transfer degrees earned at junior or community colleges.

Advanced Placement (AP): AP courses are college-level courses taught in high school. Many colleges will give credit for scores from 3-5 out of 5 on AP exams. See below for more on APs.

Conditional offer: An offer made by a university or college, whereby you must fulfill certain criteria before you can be accepted to the relevant course. 

Confirmation: When conditional offers that you have accepted become unconditional or are declined. Confirmation is dependent on your exam results.

College Board: This non-profit educational organization consists of member institutions representing high schools, community and junior colleges, colleges and universities and school systems. The College Board sponsors the SAT I, SAT II, AP, CLEP and TOEFL and many other exam programmes. 

Deferred Admission: Some colleges will allow you to postpone your attendance for one year, once you have been accepted. Some students use this year to work or to travel.

Early action (EA): Students apply early and receive a decision well in advance of the institution’s regular response date. An offer is non-binding on the applicant.

Early decision (ED): Students make a commitment to a first-choice institution, where, if admitted, they definitely will enrol. The application deadline and decision deadline occur early. An offer is binding on the applicant.

NCAA: The National Collegiate Athletic Association governs college sports programs, divided into Divisions based on the level of competitiveness of teams. The NCAA considers SAT I scores and IGCSE results when determining qualifications. Application forms are available at www.ncaa.org .

Restrictive early action (REA): Students apply to an institution of preference and receive a decision early. They may be restricted from applying ED or EA or REA to other institutions. 

Retention Rate: This is the rate at which those who enter a college actually receive a degree. Sometimes it can actually refer to the number of students who enter as freshmen and return a second year as sophomores. Checking out the retention rate of your college choices may give you valuable insight into the accuracy of admissions choices and how hard colleges work to keep you happy. IF the retention rate is low, something is amiss with the school.

Rolling admissions: Colleges that have a rolling admissions policy make admissions decisions and admit students as applications are received throughout the year, until all spaces are full. Offers are non-binding.

School Code: Each school has a six-digit school code, which is used to identify the school for admissions, exams, etc. 

The following words are used mostly in the United Kingdom:

Apply: The online application system for applying for higher education courses.

Clearing: A system used towards the end of the academic cycle. If you have not secured a place, it enables you to apply for course vacancies.

Entry profiles: Comprehensive information about individual courses and institutions, including statistics and entry requirements.

Extra: The opportunity to apply for another course if you’ve used all five choices and not yet secured a place.

Firm offer: The offer that you have accepted as your first choice.

Insurance offer: The offer that you have accepted as your second choice, in case you do not meet the requirements of your firm offer.

Ordinary or Unclassified degree: This may be awarded if a student has completed a full degree course but has not obtained the total required passes sufficient to merit a third-class Honours degree.

Personal ID: A 10-digit individual number assigned to you when you register to use “Apply”, the online application process.

Point of Entry: Your year of entry to the course.

Track: A system where you can track the progress of your application online, reply to any offers received, and make certain amendments, for example, change of address or email.

Unconditional offer: An offer given to you by a university or college, if you have satisfied the criteria and can attend the course.

Unistats: A website for students who want to research and compare subjects and universities before deciding where to apply. 

Withdrawal: Either you or a university/college cancels a choice before a decision has been made. If the withdrawal is issued by the institution, a reason will be stated.

This article was published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships

The post KNOWING THE LINGO CAN HELP… – Dictionary of terms and phrases appeared first on RG Magazines.

Education can open doors for you: intellectually, financially and socially. It’s the beginning of the rest of your life. So we understand the importance of higher education and how challenging it can be to get the education that you want, not just the one you can afford.

At the Green Family Scholarship, we believe that every Bermudian should have the opportunity to spread their wings and develop their learning and skillsets, to able to choose a quality education for themselves. This way, not only will they feel more satisfaction in their future careers but also a sense of personal satisfaction.

There is a great culture of giving in Bermuda and of community spirit, just two of the things that makes our island great. However, we feel that many scholarships place too great a weight on academic performance without fully considering the financial needs of the scholars.

That’s why the Green Family Scholarship strives to offer a head-start to Bermudians who would not otherwise be able to afford to attend a school overseas. Each year we award scholarships on to ten Bermudians, at a value of $5,000 to $10,000 per year, up to four years of post-secondary education.

These scholarships are awarded on the basis of needs and academic capability. In particular, we look for students who have a passion for their community and a love of learning, who are studying fields which will benefit Bermuda. They are the island’s future, and we are proud to invest in them.

In our mission to make further education more accessible, we are proud to partner with Knowledge Quest, a registered charity, which strives to provide high quality education to those who need it most. Together, we consider ourselves the ‘scholarship of last resort’. This is not to say that it is for the ill-prepared, but instead we offer scholarships to those who are in genuine financial need as a qualifier as well as academic performance.

Since the Green Family Scholarship programme began in 2007, we are proud to have supported more than 130 Bermudian students in following their dreams overseas and have provided in excess of $1.75 million in funds.
We wish all of our Green Family Scholars the very best with their studies. We can’t wait to see all that they accomplish: the future is bright for them and for Bermuda.

This year’s scholarship recipients are Calais Darrell (Biometrical Science at University of Kent); Jermayne Dears (Hospitality and Tourism Management at Holland College); Krishun Douglas Henry (Business at Northumbria University); Jaquan Hatherley (Business at Georgia State University); Jessica Mihelcic (Bachelor of Management, majoring in Leadership and Organizations at Dalhousie University); Candace Paynter (Law at University of Leicester); Rashun Robinson (Bachelor of Fine Arts, Majoring in Film at Nova Scotia College of Arts and Design); Daven Simons (Business at University of Wales Trinity Saint David); Tiara Smith (Business Studies with Economics at Bournemouth University); Trae Smith (Mathematics and Actuarial Science at University of Leicester) and Daijon Taylor (Accounting at Saint Mary’s University)

Students who are interested in applying for the Green Family Scholarship in 2020 must first apply to the Knowledge Quest Scholarship. Eligible students must be Bermudian at the time of application, show financial need and be studying abroad at an accredited school. Recipients are then selected based on financial need, academic achievement and non-academic pursuits. More information about the Green Family Scholarship can be found at www.greenfamilyscholarship.bm. Information about Knowledge Quest and the Knowledge Quest Scholarship application can be found at www.knowledgequest.bm.

This article was originally posted in the 2019 edition of RG Scholarships.

The post Green Family Scholarship appeared first on RG Magazines.

For many high school seniors, by the time you have completed your college applications and turned your attention to scholarships, it’s too late for some awards. Whether you delay because of procrastination or because you are preoccupied with college applications, if you snooze, you lose. To make sure you don’t miss out on scholarships, bermudascholarships.com recommend the following:

Begin Your Scholarship Search At The Start Of Your High School Senior Year

The number one reason most high school seniors miss scholarship deadlines is because they do not start their scholarship search soon enough. Even if you are not sure what college or university you plan to apply to, begin identifying scholarships you can apply for as soon as possible. It is easy to create a ‘shortlist’ on this website – and remember to include the ‘non-specific’ awards too which do not specify a particular area of study.

Get Organised

If you start organised, you are less likely to miss an application deadline or forget to ask for a letter of recommendation. Create a spreadsheet of the awards you want to apply for, their criteria (e.g. essay, documents), along with their deadlines.

Start Preparing In Advance

Make scholarship applications a part of your normal homework routine. Work on them a little every day. Establishing a routine will prevent you from being overwhelmed and ensure that you don’t turn in hastily completed, last-minute applications. Contact your school or college to provide authenticated copies of your grades and the Government Department of Immigration for a letter stating proof of citizenship if the scholarship requires it. You usually have to pay a fee for these.

Find Out What Scholarships Are Available

Your best scholarship research sources include: bermudascholarships.com, local newspapers, career fairs and your school guidance counsellor.

Find Out What Scholarships Are Available Outside Bermuda

Use the links below to find out what scholarships are offered to international students who want to study in the US, Canada and Britain.

For the US:

• scholarshipexperts.com/
• usastudyguide.com/Financial_aid.htm
• edupass.org/finaid/undergraduate.phtml
• goodcall.com/scholarships
• societyofwomenengineers.swe.org/scholarships
• pgsf.org (Print and Graphics Scholarship Foundation)

For Britain:

• ucas.com/?tile=tile-251

For Canada:

• studycanada.ca/english/scholarships_canada_international_students.htm#u
• infozee.com/canada/financial-aid.htm
  

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Reuse Your College Application Essays For Scholarships

You can often save yourself some time by editing your college admission essays appropriately and reusing them for your scholarship essays.

Submit Your Application Before The Deadline

If you have all your required documents uploaded and are not waiting for any transcripts or reference letters, you can go ahead and hit the ‘Submit Application’ button before the scholarship deadline. If the deadline arrives and your on-line application is not complete, you can submit it but either add a file explaining what is missing and why or contact the award provider to explain.

Don’t Despair Even If You Do Miss Some Application Deadlines

Remember that even if you miss some deadlines or don’t receive any awards this year you can reapply next year and for many scholarships you can reapply all the way through college.

This article was published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships

The post Start Early! appeared first on RG Magazines.

by Sarah Fellows

Healthcare affects everyone. And it is a rewarding and fulfilling career to consider, whether just starting out, or looking for a change. One of the critical challenges facing the provision of healthcare in Bermuda is the current shortage of Bermudian Registered Nurses working in the health care system. Bermuda continues to be reliant upon the recruitment of qualified nurses from abroad, those nurses who graduate from the Bermuda College, colleges and universities overseas.

While increased recruitment of qualified health care professionals to the Island can be part of the solution, overseas recruitment is expensive, and there are challenges in regards to retention and long term career opportunities. If not addressed or taken seriously, the shortage will manifest itself into unopened facilities and delays in service development. There was a pressing need to act now. Bermuda can establish its own Nursing Education Pathway. Bermuda College had to be that Game Changer…

Key stakeholders in health care in Bermuda which included representatives from the Ministry of Health, Bermuda Hospitals Board, Department of Corrections and the Bermuda College met for some time to discuss a viable solution. It was concluded that the best approach for Bermuda was to establish a Nursing Education Pathway for those interested in becoming Registered Nurses. An education pathway would afford Bermudian residents the opportunity to enter the nursing profession then continue their educational journey to the Bachelors, Master’s degree and beyond. Presently throughout particularly the United States, one can become a nurse by completing education at the Diploma, Associate or Bachelor’s degree level.

Bermuda College’s Nursing Education Pathway is not unique to Bermuda, in fact, approximately 100,000 nurses graduate annually with an Associate of Science in Nursing. Since 2013 our successes have been many; Bermuda College’s graduation rate for the Associate of Science in Nursing is about 98 %, attrition rate low, while a high success rate with the National Council Licensure Exam (NCLEX-RN) or ‘State Boards’
Beyond the chronic nursing shortage worldwide, which extends to Bermuda, and the clarion call for nursing recruits, the healthcare field has recently attracted a second look at its complementing professions of allied health, that are now gaining prominence, buoyed by new technologies and broadening career fields.

Allied Health professions do not generally require a medical degree (although some may require an undergraduate degree in the life sciences), but most often will require an associate degree. Nor do they require the rigorous length of study and internship requirements as traditional medical professions. But they still are very much involved in healthcare, providing diagnostic, technical, therapeutic and direct patient care support.

According to the Association of Schools for Allied Health Professions (ASAHP) and the American Institute of Medical Sciences and Education, the wide scope of allied health professions (physical therapists, radiologists, anaesthesia technicians, occupational therapists, physical therapists, dietitians, and many more), with field services extending to the individual, the family, the community, and to public education, it is one field of study that will be in wide demand for years to come. The most popular allied health fields include Laboratory Technologists, Dental Hygienists and Assistants; Medical Radiology Technologists, Pharmacy Technicians; and Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) professionals.

Allied Health educational programmes are expanding across North America and the United Kingdom to equip students to become competent Allied Health professionals. Bermuda College’s Division of Nursing & Allied Health is pleased to be able to offer many of these exciting career options in this rapidly growing field of healthcare, right here on Island.

Bermuda College. Many pathways. Discover yours today.

Our Nursing Teams are committed to ensuring that all our Programmes are recognised locally and internationally for delivering quality, innovative nursing education and promoting excellence in nursing practice.

‘Give a man a fish, and you’ll feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you’ve fed him for a lifetime’

‘If you want to go fast go alone, if you want to go far, go together. ‘

-Kathy-Ann Swan

Contact the Recruitment Officer at 239-4099 or [email protected]

Up close with Registered Nurse Carolann Tacklyn

Describe yourself in 5 words: determined; committed; trustworthy and family orientated.

Describe the nursing field for us in a few words: Rewarding; fulfilling; purposeful.

Bermudian Carolann is 62 years old, mother of 3. Her first job was working in the finance department at the hospital, where she stayed for 12 years. Carolann then went on to be a financial administrator at Cable & Wireless for 23 years before being made redundant in 2010. Prior to becoming redundant Carolann started to nurture her interest in healthcare, taking part in drug and alcohol counselling courses and volunteering in the area.
In 2012 she applied for a scholarship to become a registered nurse at Bermuda College, knowing her Plan B, if it didn’t work, would have to be dipping into her pension. The Bermuda College obliged and awarded Carolann a scholarship. These funds covered the cost of her books; overseas travel to Temple University in Philadelphia and a hospital in Toronto.

Carolann told us “I really enjoyed Bermuda College. I was the oldest in the classroom. The students ranged from 20 to 62 years. I didn’t feel intimidated. Our group fed each other with knowledge and our experiences. She said “Bermuda College took some years off me with just being in the environment of learning and with our young generation…” “over the last seven years there has been a lot of study… right up to when I started working as a full-time Registered Nurse in 2017. “The transition has been wonderful”.

We asked Carolann to share her advice for our millennial and middle-aged readers?” “In this environment, I think people of all ages are looking for new jobs and nursing could be one. It is a secure yet demanding job. I think people can be intimidated by the study and stay away. I am here to tell you it is the best thing I have ever done. I recommend you try a course at Bermuda College and see where it takes you.”

Carolann has been awarded a further scholarship thanks to Dr Lynette Gibson of Mary Black School of Nursing in South Carolina who met Carolann while recently visiting the hospital. Carolann is now going on to study for her Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing.

When Carolann was asked if she is enjoying life, her smile said it all! “I’m enjoying life, my grandchildren and I am loving being a nurse. I love my patients. I am so thankful to everyone that has helped me along the journey.”

This article was published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships

The post Game Changer – Nursing and Allied Health Program appeared first on RG Magazines.

Application and Interview Tips for Scholarship Applicants Courtesy of Kellianne Smith, Head of Global HR the Argus Group 

1. Follow instructions: Selection committees assess applications using several criteria such as academic merit, leadership, and overall breadth of experiences. Given the competitive nature of scholarships, failure to follow the application instructions will seriously disadvantage you.
2. Use correct vocabulary: Write clearly and provide yourself with sufficient time to proofread your applications. Use correct and formal English during the interview – which means no slang. Use complex words only if they flow naturally for you. There is nothing more embarrassing than using a fancy word out of context, or in a way that does not make sense. If you don’t fully understand a word and its proper context, avoid using it.
3. Research: Ensure your application responses are filled with substance by conducting research and doing your homework. It is insufficient to simply say that the university is excellent, or even that it is highly-ranked on global listings. Find out more.
   
4. A holistic viewpoint: Successful applicants are not necessarily those with the highest academic grades. Selection committees are impressed by students who take a holistic view by expressing strong interest in community efforts and having athletic commitments as well as being academically gifted. This displays high organizational skills and the ability to handle competing priorities.
   
5. Prepare early: Don’t wait until you’ve been selected for an interview to prepare yourself. Consider early in the process of how you would like to express yourself. While it is impossible to predict all the questions that will be asked, preparing answers to common questions will give you the advantage. A common interview question to consider is “What separates you from other applicants?”.
   
6. Explain yourself: It is important that you demonstrate the rationale for choosing your area of study and higher learning institution, so prepare yourself accordingly.
7. Demonstrate confidence: Don’t be afraid to ask the selection committee to rephrase a question if it doesn’t immediately make sense to you. Take your time, and pause if necessary, before answering to ensure you provide the most logical and intelligent responses. Also, seize upon opportunities to highlight your strengths.
8. Have a purpose: Many selection committees place great emphasis on an applicant’s case for how their proposed field of study will impact the Bermuda community and the world at large. It is beneficial to have a convincing and well-crafted statement prepared.
   
9. Dress to impress: Dressing appropriately demonstrates to the scholarship selection committee that you are a serious student and understand the privilege of being shortlisted. Dress in business attire such as slacks and a button-down collared shirt, a business suit or a knee-length skirt or dress.
   
10. Do you! It can be intimidating trying to impress complete strangers, but you should know something — you’ve already impressed them. If they hadn’t seen something remarkable or unique about you, you wouldn’t have been selected for interview. Walk into your scholarship meeting with confidence – smile and be yourself. You’ve worked hard to get here, so enjoy the moment!
    

This article was published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships

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“Sport has the power to change the world. It has the power to unite in a way that little else does. It speaks to youth in a language they understand. Sport can create hope where once there was only despair.  It is more powerful than governments in breaking down racial barriers. It laughs in the face of all types of discrimination.”

–Nelson Mandela

If you are a parent or student-athlete reader who is looking at a career in sport, Cal Blankendal is a person you should meet.  

In 2013 Cal started a company: Bermuda Sports Management Group – a “one-stop resource” to help the development of the island’s student-athletes.  Since 2017, he has been officially assisting students with scholarships; before that, he helped where he could. He also currently wears the hat of executive director of the Bermuda Cricket Board. A well-known former Bermuda Football Association vice-president, he has been involved in a sport at all levels all of his life.  Cal wishes to share his experience and believes he can help connect and benefit our student-athletes.

Bermuda Sports Management Group offers life-skills training, assists in securing overseas scholarships and finding employment after graduating.  Their Elite Student-Athlete programme was recently launched. Cal told us “our philosophy works on the training and individual development of the student-athlete”. He went on to say: “our focus is to provide the athlete with training; mentoring; professional career skills; assisting with the application process and the necessary tutoring or athletic development programs needed for that individual”.

The Bermuda Sports Management Group program believes development is continuous and that at each stage of a student-athlete’s physical, mental or technical cycle, he or she should be supported and given the opportunity to express their interest, commitment and talent in sport.  

BSMG’s elite student programme provides a path for M1 to S4 elite student athletes based on academic and athletic ability.  

Cal told us “Our goal is to support each Elite Student-Athlete to reach their full potential.  Preparation and access are half of the battle. We are able to help the athlete and put the parent in touch with the coaches overseas.  I see us as a resource to connect coaches from overseas with our athletes.”  

For more information, please contact Cal Blankendal on [email protected]

This article was published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarships 

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What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is having a present-time awareness to our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations and surroundings, using our five senses without judging our experience. Applying simple mindful practices into your daily routine of activities is doable, realistic and helpful. The requirements of gaining the benefits of the below techniques are; Practice, Presence, Patience

Mindfully preparing for exams by studying, sleeping, hydrating, breathing exercises, limiting cell phone usage and a having a support system in place, can positively contribute to your exam experience. Also, a little laughter goes a long way! Implementing a little laughter or humour into your day brings positive energy, as laughing releases endorphins in the brain, relieving stress and tension. A little laughter goes a long way!

Attitude of Gratitude

• Gratitude is an acknowledgement of thanks, kindness, and appreciation
• A daily practice of giving thanks goes a long way.
• It sets the tone for the day
• By acknowledging our thanks can uplift our mood
• Shifts your attitude and reinforces positive states
• Upon rising in the morning, take a few moments to acknowledge why you are grateful. E.g. family, health, rain, etc
• Start a gratitude journal
• Write a thank-you note
• Show a parent, mentor or friend gratitude

Just Breathe

• It takes less than 30 seconds to take three deep breaths and regroup
• It is scientifically proven that taking deep breaths can bring calm.
• Taking deep breathes can help you to relax, refocus and reset by quieting the sympathetic system (fight or flight) bringing one to calm
• Take a few moments to practice taking deep, slow breaths daily

Check-in

• Take a few moments throughout the day to pause and check-in with yourself.
• Helps to gauge your emotional climate and to notice any shifts in mood.
• Help take an account of how you are feeling)
• A mindful pause allows you to pause and gives you a choice as to whether you respond or react to the situation or experience at hand.

Mindful of Drinking water

• Drink your first glass upon waking in the morning
• Extremely important to keep the body hydrated
• Allows for oxygen to be delivered through the body
• Refreshes the mind and body
• Helps with concentration
• You can add lemon, oranges, cucumber or other fruits to flavour water.
• Do away with the sugary drinks and limit junk food

Mindful of Sleep

• Set the tone: Turn off / unplug technology; phone, computer, etc.
• Allow time to settle
• Few deep, slow breaths
• 8-10 hours of sleep is required for teenagers
• Cuts down on irritability
• Helps to Improve thinking ability
• Go to sleep at the same time when possible

Thinking Positive

• We as humans have many thoughts a day, and most of them are negative
• Practice positive self-affirmations daily to help replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts;
• Post them on a mirror, dresser, refrigerator, door, cell phone/computer as a reminder or simply repeat them a few times throughout the day

Mindful of Cell phone Usage

• Limit cell phone usage leading up to exam Enable screen time setting on cell phone to monitor your cell phone use.
• Cell phones are a distraction
• Receiving text messages or any updates on our phones constitutes as little rewards, which trigger the feel-good chemical dopamine, that is released in the brain. Seeking for that same pleasurable feeling encourages us to continuously check our cell phones resulting in wasting time.
• Turn cell phones off or off when studying
• Put in another room

Support System

• Ask for help; teacher, parent/s, friend, someone who you can trust.
• Study Body
• Attend Tutorials
• Review work weekly throughout the school year
• Self-test

While these mindful techniques are helpful while taking exams, they are equally useful to help navigate through life’s daily stresses. As we all know, being a teenager has its challenges such as; peer pressure, social media, and home-work, to name a few. By implementing mindfulness techniques into your daily routine can add a wholesome quality to all areas of your life.

P.S. You don’t have to be stressed to practice.

Benefits of Practicing Mindfulness:

• Improved focus and concentration
• Increase calm
• Reduce stress & anxiety
• Improve impulse control
• Increase self-awareness
• Develop a skilful response to difficult emotions
• Reduces behaviour problems in the classroom
• Increase empathy and understanding of others
• Develop conflict resolution skills
• Contributes to overall-well being

This article was originally posted in the 2019 edition of RG Scholarships.

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