Alumni Profile
Community Centre Alliance - Memorial University of Newfoundland
Aluel Achiek
Fry Family Foundation Enid Pendergast Junior Scholarship, 2018
Fry Family Foundation Enid Pendergast Junior Scholarship, 2018
I received the Fry Family Foundation Junior scholarship in 2018-19 through the Virginia Park Community Centre. As a first-generation student to immigrant parents, navigating the education system on my own as the eldest child was both mentally and financially challenging. The scholarship helped ease some of that stress, and I’m grateful for the support that made it possible for me to pursue my goals.
After completing one year at Memorial University, I transferred to Queen’s University when I was recruited to play varsity basketball. I’m now in my final year of undergraduate studies in Biology and plan to pursue a career in healthcare policy, where I hope to address inequities, disparities, and systemic gaps in the healthcare system.
The Virginia Park Community Centre have been a cornerstone in shaping who I am since I moved to St. John’s at 8 years old, offering me leadership opportunities, support, and a safe space to grow. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to my mom, coaches, and all the support systems who have continuously reminded me of how capable I am. Their encouragement has kept me grounded and motivated throughout my journey.
My advice to future scholarship recipients is to appreciate the community around you, never be afraid to ask for help, and remember that you are capable of so much in this life. Each day is a learning opportunity!
Aluel
Virginia Park Community Centre
2025
After completing one year at Memorial University, I transferred to Queen’s University when I was recruited to play varsity basketball. I’m now in my final year of undergraduate studies in Biology and plan to pursue a career in healthcare policy, where I hope to address inequities, disparities, and systemic gaps in the healthcare system.
The Virginia Park Community Centre have been a cornerstone in shaping who I am since I moved to St. John’s at 8 years old, offering me leadership opportunities, support, and a safe space to grow. I also want to give a heartfelt thank you to my mom, coaches, and all the support systems who have continuously reminded me of how capable I am. Their encouragement has kept me grounded and motivated throughout my journey.
My advice to future scholarship recipients is to appreciate the community around you, never be afraid to ask for help, and remember that you are capable of so much in this life. Each day is a learning opportunity!
Aluel
Virginia Park Community Centre
2025