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]]>If you’re a teenager today, chances are that you have an active presence on social media. Facebook is particularly popular among people of all age groups, but you may also use Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, Tumblr, or myriad other social networks to communicate with your friends and curate your public image.
In your experience with social media, you’ve probably already learned a few lessons about what to do and what not to do online, and much of this advice sounds like common sense. However, it’s always a good idea to check in with yourself and make sure that you’re keeping your university goals in mind as you build your online presence.
As a university-bound high school student, you’ve likely been told to be careful about what you post online due to the possibility that admissions offices are watching.
Briefly, it’s unlikely that committees will go to the trouble of digging deep into your social media profile. However, you need to be aware that anything you do or post online can potentially come to the attention of university admissions officers, as well as hiring managers, scholarship committees, law enforcement, and other agencies that can impact your future.
Admissions offices may be more likely to look into your social media profile if they’re unsure about whether to accept you and want more details about your accomplishments. They might also search you out if they have reason to be uncertain or suspicious about the information that you’ve submitted.
Sometimes, universities can be exposed to information you’ve posted on social media, as well as other information about you, without having to actively search for it. There have been cases in which other students, teachers, or community members have tipped a university off about a negative factor that the student did not mention on their application.
Given the size of today’s applicant pools, universities simply don’t have the time to routinely check in on every single applicant’s online presence, but if they do choose to do so, there’s a lot that they can find out. A small misstep here or there likely won’t torpedo your application, but evidence of major misconduct, poor judgment, or untruthfulness can definitely affect the admission committee’s final decision.
Your social media profiles are part of your public persona, and it’s important that you pay attention to how that public persona is perceived by others. In general, you shouldn’t put too much weight on the judgment of others, but at the same time, the reality is that applying to university is in large part about presenting yourself in the best light to the people who are evaluating you.
Even if you’re conscientious about your privacy settings, there’s always a chance that the things you post online could become more public than you intended. The internet is never really a private space, and you need to make sure that your overall social media presence reflects the best of what you have to offer.
Besides your own actions, you also need to think about those of others. Even if you behave appropriately online, others may not, so you need to keep an active role in shaping what people might think of you through your social media presence.
Every day, the media covers stories of real-world consequences resulting from social media posts. Below, you’ll find a list of some essential guidelines for keeping your social media profiles appropriate and positive as a college-bound high school student. Even if you are already conscientious about your online activity or these tips seem obvious to you, it’s wise to go over this list and double-check your approach.
Of course, this list can’t cover every single possibility, and you’ll have to use your judgment when encountering social media quandaries. Given the impact it can have upon your future, it’s generally best to err on the side of caution and not post any questionable content online.
[bio] Monikah Schuschu is an alumna of Brown University and Harvard University. As a graduate student, she took a job at the Harvard College Office of Financial Aid and Admissions, and discovered the satisfaction of helping students and parents with the often-baffling college admissions process. She also enjoys fiber art, murder mysteries, and amateur entomology.
This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of the Rg Scholarship Directory.
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]]>Bank of Bermuda Foundation, anindependent, philanthropic organisation, is dedicated to supporting the Bermuda community. Annually, the Foundation provides approximately $2.5 million in grants to a wide range of non-profit groups in Bermuda and up to $950,000 in student scholarships.
Following two years of strategic planning from 2014 to 2016, Bank of Bermuda Foundation identified the need to evolve from being a charitable to a philanthropic organisation, shifting from addressing short-term, immediate needs (i.e. relieving the symptoms of social issues) to having a longer term, more collaborative and sustainable approach to solving problems to address the root causes of social issues.
In 2018, as part of this shift, the Foundation redefined its eligibility criteria for its annual scholarships by placing a priority on financial need in addition to academic merit. All scholarship applicants must now demonstrate financial need by completing the family Statement of Means form. Financial need is based on a family’s ability to pay for post-secondary education. Evidence of strong academics and potential for success remain key requirements for eligibility. The Statement of Means form is available on the Foundation’s website.
This commitment reflects the Foundation’s vision that there are equitable opportunities for all, to lead purposeful lives, have financial security and enjoy a sense of belonging within the community. The Foundation is proud to continue its tradition of offering substantial scholarships to Bermudian students, with a new focus on supporting those who face obstacles due to finances.’
Mr. Dennis Tucker, Chair of the Scholarships Committee, explained, “The Foundation wanted their scholarships to be available to students who had the ability to achieve their goals and were in the most need of financial assistance, giving every student an opportunity to succeed and reach their full potential academically.”
The Foundation has also significantly broadened the scope of offerings to include scholarships for the arts, vocational studies (trades, technicians or hospitality) and public school students, in addition to its standard awards for business, postgraduate, medicine, law and other courses of study.
He added”‘Having completed our first year under the new criteria, we were very pleased with all of the applicants. The change gave the Scholarships Committee a broader base of students from which to choose. We continue to be impressed with the quality and commitment of those applying and know Bermuda will benefit immensely from their scholastic endeavors.”
Applicants are reminded that scholarship applications are due by March 31stof each year. Scholarship funds are intended for the costs of tuition, room and board and travel to and from the place of study. Scholarships are tenable at accredited institutions of higher education approved by Bank of Bermuda Foundation and are granted at the discretion of the Scholarships Committee. For further details on eligibility requirements and to apply, please visit www.bermudascholarships.com.
This article was originally published in the 2019 edition of the RG Scholarship Directory.
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]]>What is a scholarship?
Scholarships, as the name suggests, reward good scholars so are usually on the basis of academic merit and suitability for the course or research post. For deserving candidates who provide a well-rounded application, they can pay for up to all years of study, including tuition, housing, books and travel.
What is a bursary?
Bursaries are usually for those with financial difficulties and are used to reduce course fees. They are means-tested and usually not dependent on academic merit, even though they do require applicants to have a good educational background and references. Most bursaries will ask for proof of financial need. Bursaries usually come in smaller amounts and are used to offset the costs of books, travel, and living.
What is a grant?
Another form of non-repayable funds, grants, tend to have a higher level of compliance attached to them. You usually have to provide continued updates on your projects or studies in order to keep the flow of money coming in. Whether you’re a teenager thinking of post-secondary, or an adult wanting to learn something new, there may be a scholarship, bursary of grant waiting for you.
Tips:
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>Many college-bound students work very hard to achieve good grades, write compelling essays, participate in extracurricular activities, and even devote their time to helping in their communities. These are all excellent ways to boost your chances of being accepted to a university or getting a scholarship. However, one area that tends to be completely overlooked is digital presence.
If you are a millennial, chances are that you have a consistent online presence on multiple websites. While you may think of social media as nothing more than harmless fun, the truth is, it can impact your chances of winning scholarships.
Scholarship judges care about what you post on social media
A 2017 study by Kaplan Test Prep in New York found that 35 percent of college admissions officers check Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or other social networking sites to learn more about potential candidates. Furthermore, 42 percent of admissions officers who check said they had discovered information online that had negatively affected an applicant’s prospects.
What is negative social media content?
Negative social media content includes posts that are vulgar, emphasize illegal drug use, sexual acts, violence, and anything else that would horrify your grandma.
So, if your social media pages are filled with unflattering content and nothing substantial, it could cost you a college admission, scholarship, and even future career opportunities. The good news is that you can also use your internet presence to your advantage.
Here are a few suggestions on how to clean up your digital presence and use your social media profiles to highlight your accomplishments.
How to use social media to your advantage
Step 1: Clean up your digital profile
Your social media accounts say a lot about you. Go through your Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media profiles and delete any posts or photos that are inappropriate. If you don’t want to sift through everything, delete the account and start over. Do not open a dummy or fake account. You will be perceived as sneaky and dishonest if they are traced back to you. You can also adjust your privacy setting as high as possible so that casual browsers won’t have access to your posts. It is also wise to Google yourself and check what turns up. You should remove any material that belongs to you and is questionable.
Step 2: Be mindful of what you post
You want to be careful about the images you share, and the posts you’re tagged in. If someone catches you on camera or video making out or playing beer pong, ask that the images be deleted before they are posted online and out of your control. Moreover, your profile name should be appropriate. Don’t call yourself SexKitten69 or GanjaLover420, just use your first and last name.
Be respectful in what items you like and share. You may find a racist cartoon hilarious, but sharing it on social media can make you look like an intolerant bigot. Keep your opinions conservative. Avoid heated political, religious, racial, sexual, or other intolerant online arguments. While it’s okay to debate with your friends, far left or right-wing musings can cost you big.
Step 3: Populate your profile with positive content
You want your online presence to show you in a positive light. Highlight your accomplishments and achievements. There are a few ways you can do this. Try to emphasize your excitement about the program you’ve chosen, or post pictures on Facebook of you accepting a volunteer award. Tweet about your sports team winning a championship game, or showcase time with your family. You can write public blog posts and notes about an empowering or touching incident that happened recently. Emphasize time with your family, photos of your world travels, and positive academic or social activities from school.
Social media and an online presence can be extremely powerful tool in your quest for scholarships, but only if done right. You want to present yourself in the best way possible to scholarship judges. That includes content that you post or share on social media. Use this valuable tool to modifying anything unfavourable that may hinder your credentials.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>Motivation Letter for Scholarship Applications – General Guidelines
Usually, the application will not specify how long your motivation letter should be. You will need to use your best judgement to write a concise motivation letter. The letter should include:
Motivation letters are usually around 500-1,000 words. Like the standard 500-word essay, when writing, you should split them into paragraphs for easy reading.
Tailor Your Motivation Letter to Fit the Scholarship
Your motivation letter should link your future plans with the goals of the scholarship. How will you benefit from continued education in this field? How will you use this knowledge to support the mission of the scholarship provider?
Say that the scholarship is from an agency that supports wildlife preservation. Your letter should explain how you plan to apply your education towards a career in that field.
You also need to establish why you deserve this application more than other applicants. What specific experiences do you have now that set you apart from the rest? What specific plans do you have that will address a current issue in the world? Even if you currently have limited knowledge about the issue, use that to your advantage. Explain how you could thrive with more education and solve even more problems in the future.
The Structure of a Scholarship Motivation Letter
Scholarship motivation letters vary by award, but they usually consist of three elements:
Your introduction should include your name, level of education and the degree program.
Your first body paragraph should include any work-related experience you have. This can include both paid and unpaid internships. You should show the growth of your career in chronological order. Finally, suggest where your professional will go with continued education.
Your second body paragraph should explain what you hope to gain from your education. Think of which problems you aim to solve or uncover.
Your final body paragraph should explain your holistic plans for the future. Some ideas for inspiration:
Finally, your conclusion should re-emphasize why you are a good candidate for the scholarship.
What NOT to Include When Writing a Scholarship Motivation Letter
Your scholarship motivation letter should be well-written with no grammar or spelling errors. Use a professional tone and advanced phrasing (no slang or colloquialisms). Provide specific examples about your past, present and future. Stay away from vague generalizations. Vagueness suggests a lack of care or knowledge, neither of which are impressive to a scholarship review committee.
Some Final Tips
Writing a motivation letter for scholarship applications takes time and commitment. Plan what you will say in advance, and allow at least three days to write the letter, review it, step away from it and edit it. This extra time will provide the best chance of success with your application.
This content was provided by ScholarshipOwl.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>Larissa Bean
98 Scholar Lane, Smith’s Parish,
Bermuda
The Scholarship Committee
123 Learning Rd. Suite 4A,
Pembroke, Bermuda
To Whom It May Concern:
My name is Larissa Bean and I am a second-year student at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario. I am currently pursuing a five-year Bachelor of Architecture degree, and I plan to follow up with a one-year master’s degree after I graduate.
While in high school, I worked extensively with Bermuda Overseas Mission and the local Habitat for Humanity branch to help build homes for low-income families in India, Malawi, and Venezuela. I learned about the construction process from the ground up, and I discovered the importance of function in architectural design. The homes we built during my four years as a volunteer were never extravagant, but they served their purpose and became a beacon of hope for their owners.
My education is largely focused on this mindset: function over form, stability over showmanship. I have enrolled in several classes that crossover to the Architectural Engineering major because I want to have a comprehensive view of how design meets structure. I have worked on three extra-credit residential design projects under the supervision of my architecture professors (Dr. X and Dr. Y) to accelerate my research and education.
I wanted to become an architect to create accessible, affordable housing opportunities in underprivileged communities. In my university town, I have seen countless rental properties available, but there are few homes for sale that are priced affordably enough for college students and first-time buyers. This is the case in many towns throughout Canada, especially areas with a low standard of living. My goal is to build neighbourhoods of sufficient starter homes that can help adults build equity, avoid excessive debt, and create financial stability for their futures.
I have an internship scheduled with LMNOP Architectural Firm in the summer, and I will continue my on-the-job training there after my master’s degree. After working under acclaimed residential architects Suzan Craft and Peter Wood, I would like to open my own architectural firm focused on developing inexpensive, high-quality housing.
Also, I would like to work with Habitat for Humanity again, this time as an architect instead of a general labourer. I believe firmly in their mission to build “a world where everyone has a decent place to live.”
I appreciate your consideration. With your assistance, I can continue my schooling in architecture and design to bring accessible homes to those in need. If you need any more information on my education or projects, don’t hesitate to contact me at 123-4567 or email at [email protected].
Sincerely,
Larissa Bean
You might also be interested in How to Write a Killer Scholarship Essay.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>There are quite a few scholarships in accounting, finance and law. We decided to have a look at some alternative scholarships for those that have other interests in improving different industries and pushing the community forward in Bermuda.
Culture
Check out the Bermuda Arts Council Grants and The Cultural Legacy Fund
The Bermuda Arts Council are looking for recipients who show that they can enhance the quality of life, strengthen the arts and culture on the island, and build appreciation and participation in the wider community. They work with the Department of Culture and Community Affairs on The Cultural Legacy Fund initiative which aims to give a significant boost to Bermuda’s culture, heritage and arts through of financial grants (varying amounts). This could be your time to shine!
Arts
Check out Peter Leitner Arts Scholarships
The arts were very important to Peter and Margaret Leitner. With this in mind, Margaret Leitner established the Peter Leitner Arts Scholarship in memory of her husband.
Worth up to $30,000 per year, the scholarship is specifically devoted to helping young Bermudians fully realise their artistic talents. The Peter Leitner Arts Scholarship will fund the education of deserving Bermudian students of the visual and performing arts, either in Bermuda or abroad.
Science, technology, engineering and math (STEM)
Check out BELCO’s Llewellyn Vorley Engineering Scholarship & STEM Education Awards
Are you studying mechanical, electrical or a related engineering field? If you’ve completed one year of your undergraduate study, and it’s relevant to BELCO’s operation, candidates can receive $25,000.00 per annum for the duration of the degree with a maximum of 3 years. Tinker on!
Architecture, industrial, graphic, fashion design
Check out the Bank of Bermuda Foundation John D. Campbell Arts Scholarship
If designing is your future, then go ahead and do it. The Bank of Bermuda Foundation offers undergraduate scholarships of up to $30,000 to pay for tuition, room, board, and travel for four years for applied arts studies.
Technical or Vocational
Minister’s Technical and Vocational Award
Government provides funding for students who are graduating public school and plan on attending Bermuda College to pursue a strong interest in technical or vocational studies. This can be granted for local ($5,000) or overseas ($25,000) post-secondary study.
Marine
Check out the Bermuda Sloop Foundation Adam Goodwin Mariner Scholarship
All you can think about is the ocean and setting sail. This scholarship is designed for those who want to get into the marine industry through formal education orexperience. The Bermuda Sloop Foundation is looking for those who have a clear love for the sea, a desire to give back to their community and an educational and development plan to achieve the synergy of the two. Up to $5,000 can be used for seamanship, boatbuilding, engineering, technology or anything in between.
Learners with Disabilities
Check out the Minister’s Exceptional Student Award
You are exceptional and there are scholarships in the community that can help you to move forward. The Minister’s Exceptional Student Award is for graduating students with learning disabilities and want to go to school locally ($5,000) or overseas ($25,000) postsecondary study.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>“It’s very important to all of us at Marshall Diel & Myers that we do all we can to assist aspiring attorneys,” says Adam Richards, Managing Director of MDM. “We also recognize that the company’s continued success depends on our employees’ skills, and their commitment to providing excellent service to our clients. We believe that one of the optimum ways to ensure that those high levels of service continue is to directly invest, train and develop our future lawyers.”
MDM fosters and maintains an open, respectful, inclusive and team-oriented workplace where students are recognized and treated as valued professionals. MDM seeks to support outstanding students who have the potential to continue with the firm as associates.
The student experience at MDM is designed to be rewarding and positive, as well as challenging. Whether as a pupil or on a summer placement, students can expect to be fully immersed in the day-to-day lives of this busy litigation firm. The program is tailored to ensure that the student receives the highest possible standards of training, support and exposure, not only to enhance their learning experience but to provide a clear insight into their prospective future career at the Bar.
The Principal Scholarship Award provides financial support up to a maximum $15,000 to a Bermudian student with outstanding scholastic achievement, who is pursuing legal studies at an institution that will qualify the student for call to the Bermuda Bar. The scholarship is available only to Bermudians who intend to return to Bermuda to practice law. MDM seeks candidates, who demonstrate initiative, effective communication skills, leadership capability, willingness to be involved in the community, and the ability to work well as part of a team.
Applications for all student positions are to be made on the relevant forms which can be downloaded from the website at www.law.bm.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>Julia Outerbridge, 26, and Janay Trott, 32, are the recipients of the 2018 Dr. Kathy-Ann Louise White Pharmacy Scholarship. We sat down with them to talk about their feelings since the win, their childhood dreams, and advice for people looking to follow in her footsteps.
RG Mags: Where did you study?
Janay Trott: I was accepted into Howard University, Washington DC to begin their Pre-Pharmacy program in 2006. I later transferred to Keele University to continue my chosen career. I am a Pre-Registration Pharmacist in a community pharmacy in Stoke-on-Trent, UK and will be based here for one year. I have planned to return to Bermuda next August 2019.
Julia Outerbridge: I went to Georgia State University, Bermuda College and University of Manchester, where I graduated with Master of Pharmacy with Honours.
RG Mags: What was your reasoning for applying for the scholarship?
JT:Becoming a Pharmacist interested me because my Dad suffered from Sarcoidosis, which eventually took his life. While at Bermuda Institute I was given the opportunity to work in my desired field and the Phoenix Stores opened their doors to me.
JO:I needed the financial assistance, and this scholarship was strictly for pharmacy, so I thought I would give it a shot.
RG Mags: What was the quality that you think shone brightest in your application?
JT:My determination and perseverance.
JO: I think that my straightforwardness and honesty was what caught their eye. I didn’t try to embellish or oversell myself. I was just me.
RG Mags: What was your first reaction to receiving the scholarship?
JT:Feeling blessed and appreciative. I am very grateful to the Phoenix Stores for all of their support and assistance.
JO:I was extremely happy and shocked, I actually thought that my straightforwardness went against me in the interview.
RG Mags: What is the biggest obstacle to pursuing your career goals?
JT: The passing of my father in my first week of university.
JO: For me, it wasensuring that I had the money to pay for university tuition, accommodation and everyday living expenses.
RG Mags: When you were younger, what did you want to be when you grew up? Has that changed?
JT:I’ve always wanted to be a pharmacist. My journey took longer than expected, but I’m glad that I’ve achieved my goal.
JO:When I was younger, I wanted to be a hairdresser; then with my involvement in various sports I thought about becoming a professional athlete, physiotherapist, and I even thought about being a sports/entertainment manager. Has that changed? Yes indeed!
RG Mags: What personal advice do you give to young people trying to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals?
JT: My biggest advice to young people would be to never give up on your dreams, use life’s obstacles as your motivation.
JO:Do well in all subjects especially your sciences (biology, chemistry and physics, math and English). Take your IGCSE exams seriously and do your best in them. Do your research early on schools you’d like to attend. When you get to university, do not procrastinate. Trust me! Do not make it harder than it needs to be; it will be hard enough. Remember, do not compare yourself to anyone else –– your journey is your journey.
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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]]>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 and the academic communitylooking to encourage young Bermudians to join the sector.
Over the past 41 years, the programme has supported over 630 Bermudian students pursuing full undergraduate or post-graduate degrees at accredited four-year 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 programmes.
The undergraduate award to each recipient is $15,000 per year for a two-year period while the post graduate award is valued at $20,000 for one year. Approximately 50-60 applications are received from students annually and up to 20 students are awarded each year.
Prior to 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.
Three additional grants are announced at the awards luncheon. The Michelle Outerbridge Memorial Award ($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 an all who met her. The Stephen Edwards Memorial Award ($5,000) and sponsored by Lombard Odier Trust (Bermuda) Ltd. Stephen was a 2014 scholar and is remembered as a passionate and athletically gifted young man who was a role model to young and old, local and abroad in the sport of Rugby. The Shernelle Outerbridge Memorial Award ($15,000) is sponsored by Zurich. Mrs. Outerbridge, the late CEO of Zurich Investment Services Limited, was a recipient of a 1984 ABIC award. 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 40thanniversary of the ABIC Education Awards programme, the alumni created an annual Alumni Award intended to support mature individuals who are interested in upgrading their skillsets to re-train for careers in IB or for those who have plans to pursue an undergraduate degree leading to a career in IB.
Antonia DeVent is the 2ndrecipient of the Alumni Award; she is an online student of Purdue University Global, pursuing a BSc in Finance with an Insurance concentration. Antonia had this to say:
“I feel humbled and privileged to have been selected to receive an ABIC Alumni Award this year. It means so much to have an organization of this standing invest in me in order to allow me to continue the fulfillment of my educational aspirations. I would like to express my gratitude for the financial and career support ABIC and the alumni are willing to provide and encourage any student with an interest in international business to, not only apply for these scholarship opportunities but also, to invest in themselves. Hard work pays off!”
The 2019 ABIC Education Awards deadline is April 5thand students can apply at www.bermudascholarships.com. All questions about the ABIC Education Awards programme can be directed to Greta Peters at 293-4600 or [email protected].
This article was originally published in the September 2018 edition of Rg Scholarships.
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