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The following recipients were selected for their outstanding academic achievement, commitment to community and defined personal goals.
Mr. Aoyu Bai
Mr. Aoyu Bai of Kanata, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. He is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Queen’s University and planning a career in corporate law.
Mr. Bai immigrated to Canada from China with his parents in 2000. Like many new Canadians, Mr. Bai and his parents faced challenges with communication which made it difficult to meet people. To overcome this challenge, Mr. Bai enrolled in English as a Second Language courses at his school. He also took full advantage of community resources, like his local library, which provided the materials he needed to improve his language skills. His family also found tremendous support in a local church, through which they were introduced to the broader community. His parents are very happy and proud of his scholarship. Mr. Bai is grateful for the award and “honoured to be recognized by such a prestigious organization.”
Ms. Chamila Anthonypillai
Ms. Chamila Anthonypillai of Surrey, British Columbia has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently enrolled in the Coordinated Science Program in the Faculty of Science at the University of British Columbia. She is planning a career as a pediatrician, and hopes to spend time volunteering her services in a developing country.
Ms. Anthonypillai immigrated to Canada from Sri Lanka with her parents and sister in 2004. The cold weather presented one challenge to the family, but they also found it hard to develop a sense of belonging. Ms. Anthonypillai’s solution was to get involved. She joined clubs at school, volunteered her time, and attended events in her local community. She found a wellspring of support in the friendships she developed at school and she is thankful to her classmates for making her feel welcome. Her parents are incredibly happy with the scholarship. About winning, Ms. Anthonypillai said that “it is hard to describe how ecstatic I am”. She added that she is extremely honoured and grateful for this award.
Mr. Chun Jun Cao
Mr. Chun Jun Cao of Vancouver, British Columbia has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. He is currently studying Science/Physics at the University of British Columbia. He is planning to pursue a PhD and work as a researcher and professor of physics.
Mr. Cao immigrated to Canada from China with his parents in 2005. He now resides here with his mother. When he first moved here, language proved to be a significant barrier, as did adapting to the different customs and habits in Canada. He credits his English as a Second Language course (ESL) and the friendly environment at his school for helping him gain confidence and feel welcome in his new country. Understanding that other immigrants face challenges similar to his own, he and other students developed an ESL helping club to assist new Canadians with their integration into the community. Mr. Cao’s mother was happy and thankful for his scholarship. In addition to feeling surprised, Mr. Cao is “glad and honoured to be given this award.”
Mr. Dennis Dobrovolsky
Mr. Dennis Dobrovolsky of Toronto, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. He is currently studying Life Sciences at the University of Toronto. He plans to pursue a degree in Biochemistry and later work as a research scientist focusing on human-relevant cellular processes.
Mr. Dobrovolsky immigrated to Canada from Ukraine with his parents in 1996. His parents struggled initially with unemployment as they tried to establish a secure foothold in their new country. They overcame these challenges by volunteering and getting involved in their local community. English classes also helped them feel more at home. Mr. Dobrovolsky believes that a feeling of belonging is essential, as is preserving a sense of one’s own history and culture. As a student, he used his newfound language skills to help other families bridge the gap between their old and new lives by translating during parent/teacher interviews. His parents are thankful that their son had the opportunity to apply for and win this scholarship. Upon winning, Mr. Dobrovolsky said: “I hope I can use this stipend as inspiration for enriching the culture of this nation which has been so hospitable to its new peoples.”
Ms. Elzbieta Myrlak
Ms. Elzbieta Myrlak of Edmonton, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying English and History at the University of Alberta. Having decided to pursue a career in veterinary medicine, she plans to change her field of study to Animal Health, in the Faculty of Science.
Ms. Myrlak immigrated to Canada from Poland with her mother in 2001 when she was ten years old. Along with the language barrier, Ms. Myrlak and her mother found it difficult to build a new support network of friends. Through her ESL classes, Ms. Myrlak learned English quickly. She was aided in her efforts by the new friends she met at school. Her mother also studied English and through her language courses and work, her confidence and abilities in the language improved greatly. Together, Ms. Myrlak and her mother found security and comfort through involvements in their local community. Her mother is very proud and happy about the scholarship. Ms. Myrlak is extremely grateful for the award and the opportunity it gives her to “complete her education and achieve [her] goals and dreams.”
Ms. Fuyuanyue Liu
Ms. Fuyuanyue Liu of Thunder Bay, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Honours Mathematics at University of Waterloo. Although she has not decided on a career, she is considering further studies in Actuarial Science or the pursuit of a combined Math/BBA degree.
Ms. Liu immigrated to Canada from China with her mother in 2005. Her mother was an exchange scholar with the Anhui Agriculture University of China. To overcome the language barrier and culture shock they experienced when they first moved here, Ms. Liu and her mother forged new social networks by getting involved in their local church and community associations. Ms. Liu also found support and friendship at school, and is grateful for the opportunities that her school projects gave her to improve her language skills. The multicultural community in which they live and work also helped them adapt to life in Canada. Upon hearing about the scholarship, Ms. Liu’s parents told her how proud they are. Ms. Liu appreciates the award and the recognition of the challenges she overcame. The award will motivate her “to continue to strive for excellence.”
Ms. Jennifer Zhou
Ms. Jennifer Zhou of Richmond Hill, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Business Administration at the Schulich School of Business at York University. She is planning to obtain her MBA and pursue a career managing her own company or working in management at a large corporation.
Ms. Zhou immigrated to Canada from China with her parents in 1998. While they faced significant challenges learning the language, they found that getting involved in their local community helped them immensely. Ms. Zhou also found support and encouragement in her school, where her classmates took on the role of teacher by introducing her to Canadian culture and language. This focus on community involvement is still an important part of Ms. Zhou’s life – she plans to join school clubs at York and start her own. Her parents expressed great pride in her scholarship win and credited Canada’s sense of equity for giving her this opportunity. Ms. Zhou is “extremely thankful and appreciative” to RBC for selecting her as an award winner.
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Ms. Jia Peng (Angel) Qian
Ms. Jian Peng (Angel) Qian of Scarborough, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Mathematics at the University of Waterloo. She intends to pursue a degree in Actuarial Science and establish a career as an actuary focusing on risk management. She also plans to volunteer her time with a humanitarian organization.
Ms. Qian immigrated to Canada from China with her mother in 2003. The biggest challenge they faced was learning a new language, but they took full advantage of all of the resources around them to master English. In addition to TV and books, Ms. Qian made the effort to converse in English with her newfound friends. She also became heavily involved in her community, taking part in soccer and cross-country racing, joining a choir, volunteering and working as a swim instructor. This spirit of community followed her to university, where she is a member of many clubs, including Focus, which does humanitarian work. Her parents are thrilled with her scholarship. Upon winning, Ms. Qian offered “a million thanks to everyone who has encouraged … new Canadians to continue pursuing their dreams.”
Ms. Margarita Palmera-Nunez
Ms. Margarita Palmera-Nunez of St. John’s, Newfoundland has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Engineering at Memorial University. She intends to pursue a career in mechanical engineering.
Ms. Palmera-Nunez immigrated to Canada from Colombia with her mother, brother, and sister in 2005. With little knowledge of English, they found it hard to adapt to life in their new country. Ms. Palmera-Nunez credits her school’s English as a Second Language (ESL) program and her excellent ESL teacher for helping her master English. Her classmates also helped make her feel welcome, as did the warm and friendly people she met in St. John’s. She found additional help and support through local settlement agencies and from participation in community events. Upon learning of the scholarship win, her mother expressed happiness and pride in her daughter’s accomplishment. Ms Palmera-Nunez is “really thankful for this amazing opportunity.”
Ms. Maryna Muzychenko
Ms. Maryna Muzychenko of Edmonton, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying International Business at the Telfer School of Management at the University of Ottawa. She is planning a future career as an executive officer.
Ms. Muzychenko immigrated to Canada from Ukraine with her parents and brother in 2002. When she arrived in Canada, her knowledge of English and French was limited. This language barrier presented some challenges, which Ms. Muzychenko overcame through her interactions with other students and participation in extracurricular activities. Having mastered English by the end of elementary school, she had the confidence to enroll in a Late French Immersion program. Along with her family, Ms. Muzychenko decided that the best way to adapt to their new surroundings was to become involved in the community. They volunteered with Ukrainian Services and quickly made new friends while improving their language skills. Her parents are thrilled that she won this scholarship. Ms. Muzychenko is honoured and grateful to have won. She feels that “[w]inning this award shows that in Canada, perseverance, effort, and hard work are rewarded”, which gives her faith and hope for the future.
Ms. Orietta Mukeza
Ms. Orietta Mukeza of Ottawa, Ontario has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Commerce at Queen’s University and plans a career in corporate law or as an international trade lawyer.
Ms. Mukeza immigrated to Canada from Rwanda with her parents in 1996 when she was six years old. In addition to adjusting to the cold weather, Ms. Mukeza and her family found it challenging to adapt to a new culture and learn a new language. They also faced some financial difficulties when her parents’ credentials were not fully recognized in Canada and they were forced to return to school. The family found that language classes and involvement in their community helped them feel welcome while teaching them about Canadian customs. Ms. Mukeza found additional support at school, where her friends showed her great kindness. Her parents are extremely happy and proud about the scholarship. Ms. Mukeza is “forever grateful” for the award and “promises to do everything in [her] power to contribute to a fruitful future for our country.”
Ms. Qing Qing Wu
Ms. Qing Qing Wu of Edmonton, Alberta has been selected the recipient of an RBC Scholarship for New Canadians. She is currently studying Microbiology and Immunology at McGill University. She is planning a career as a medical researcher and doctor and hopes to contribute to the eradication of autoimmune diseases.
Ms. Wu immigrated to Canada from China with her parents in 1999. In addition to the language barrier, the family struggled with feelings of alienation as they adjusted to their new country. While her new home seemed very strange and overwhelming, Ms. Wu felt welcomed and supported at school. Meeting new friends made her feel a part of the community. She and her parents also participated in many of the multicultural activities in their hometown, which gave them a sense of belonging. Ms. Wu loves the diversity of Canada, and finds it especially apparent in Montréal, where she is now studying. Her parents are extremely proud that she was able to distinguish herself from the many outstanding new Canadians vying for this scholarship. Ms. Wu is very pleased and grateful to have received this award.
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