A $250 cash infusion will make Jean Emperado’s post-secondary school experience a bit easier thanks to the Cochrane Immigrant Services Committee.
Emperado received the committee’s first scholarship. She’s currently enrolled in Mount Royal University’s two-year social work program and has plans to continue studying social work at the doctorate level.
She sheepishly admits that she’ll take it one step at a time so she doesn’t get too overwhelmed.
Social work was an easy choice for Emperado. She said she enjoys helping people and hopes to eventually find work in clinical social work and treat various mental health conditions.
“It's something I really enjoy doing and I could reach more people if I get this degree,” she said.
Her family immigrated to Canada from the Philippines in 2015. Her dad came to Cochrane first. Three years later Emperado, her two brothers and mother joined him.
Emperado will formally accept her scholarship at the committee’s Newcomer Welcome Night hosted at The Club on 204-5th Ave West at 6 p.m. on Feb. 3.
The committee is still accepting applications for a second scholarship until Friday, Jan. 24. Another two scholarships will become available later in the year with an application deadline of Aug. 31.
Scholarship applicants must be under 21 years of age, be a newcomer to Canada, and have volunteered with the committee. Full details are available at www.cochraneimmigrantservices.com.
