A Vietnamese Student Pursues Her Bachelor's Degree in Commerce at Toronto University Funded by the Lester B. Pearson Scholarship

My name is Ngoc Anh Thu Huynh, or Tina to my friends. I am from Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, and I am a 2024 Lester B. Pearson Scholar pursuing a study in Rotman Commerce at the University of Toronto. Growing up with both parents coming from central Vietnam, I have seen and empathized with the trials and tribulations that underprivileged youth in this area have been going through. Hence, I am passionate about implementing social entrepreneurship to elevate the lives of children in my country and beyond, providing them with accessible healthcare and the high-quality education that they deserve.

Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship Details

The Lester B. Pearson International Scholarship at the University of Toronto recognizes 37 international students with exceptional academic achievement and creativity, who are recognized as leaders within their school. The scholarship emphasizes the impact the student has had on the life of their school and community, and their future potential to contribute positively to the global community. The scholarship covers tuition, books, incidental fees, and full residence support for four years of undergraduate study.

Educational Background

I graduated from London International Academy (London, Ontario, Canada) with dual diplomas: the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD). Having done the IB program demonstrates to the university that I have the academic ability to handle such rigorous university-level coursework and will have a solid foundation to thrive and grow at their institution.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Lester B. Pearson International Student Scholarship(s)?

Throughout my scholarship application process, I have done a lot of research - from the university’s evaluation criteria to the past recipients’ profiles. However, I believe that this research only serves reference purposes, and what matters the most should be the way we present ourselves and tell our stories to the Award Committee. An authentic essay that best showcases our passion and vision would make us stand out a lot more than a well-written cliché that lacks individuality. I also had my family, teachers, and friends reading through my application for constructive feedback. These people were also my source of emotional support during this hectic time.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think the unity across different components of my application, from essays to extracurricular activities, plays an important role in earning me this scholarship. They all collectively demonstrate my passion for the field of commerce and how I may make use of my academic opportunities at the University of Toronto to grow professionally and contribute to the community.

I also have very a unique cultural experience and linguistic pursuit that formulate my unique theme of being a “global citizen”. Thus, I was able to tell the story of how my journey to international business began. This theme was relevant to all of my essays and activities, which I believe made it more memorable for the Award Committee.

What Would You Have Done Differently if You Were Going Through the Process Again?

If I were to do this again, I would spend less time trying to compare myself to other successful applicants as not only does it not help with my application, but it makes me more doubtful about myself and hence, hinders my ability to craft application that could truly emphasize my values and strengths.

What Advice Would You Give to Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

My best advice for current and prospective scholarship applicants is to embrace your true self and have faith in what you have been doing. Many times, standing out is not about doing something mind-blowing that has never been seen before; it is about knowing who you are, where you come from, and how you have made the efforts to go above and beyond to pursue your dreams. There is no specific role model that you must follow to get the scholarship because every individual can be outstanding in their own unique way. That said, it is important for you to first know your worth and what you can bring to the world before you can begin to convey that knowledge to the Award Committee.