Scholarship recipient praises support from community organizations

OSHAWA, Ont. - A scholarship is a reward for the hard work and dedication that students show to their program areas, but to some, it is the gift they need to continue towards their dream careers. For Izabella Drewicz, a Faculty of Health Sciences student at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT), winning the $1,000 Ontario Association of Medical Laboratories (OAML) Scholarship in Medical Laboratory Sciences was a blessing.

Drewicz notes that it was both her financial strain and academic excellence that earned her this award. Coming from a family that faced financial troubles, Drewicz was working two jobs and going to school to provide for her family.

"My father was on a leave of absence… My mom was the only one working full time, trying to provide for my family. I had two jobs and schooling to get through, and my sister was working part time as well to try to put food on our table," said Drewicz.

At school, Drewicz is class president for the Medical Laboratory Science program and is working hard to reach her dream of becoming a medical doctor some day.

"A thousand dollars goes a long way. I feel like I can now tell everyone else how hard work really does pay off in the end. I am putting a lot of thought into this program and after the four years, I am hoping to get into medical school and become a doctor," said Drewicz. "I will never again take my money for granted, nor will I take my education lightly. To someone it may seem like 'just another scholarship to give out,' but to me, the $1,000 was priceless."

All Ontario students who are currently enrolled in a program that leads to certification as a Medical Laboratory Technologist or a Bachelor's degree in the medical laboratory sciences were encouraged to apply for this award. Drewicz was chosen by a panel of four judges who reviewed her application against the established criteria.

"Not only is this award a credit to Ms. Drewicz's abilities-for which we congratulate her-it is an acknowledgement of the UOIT Medical Laboratory Science program as an integral part of the health professional educational process," said Moira Grant, Medical Laboratory Science program co-ordinator at UOIT.

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About the University of Ontario Institute of Technology
As the province's newest university, the University of Ontario Institute of Technology provides a unique combination of academic knowledge, vibrant student life, leading-edge research, and hands-on skills. The university offers career-focused undergraduate degree programs in the fields of business and information technology, sciences, engineering, nursing, social science, and education. It is also developing leading-edge research and graduate programs, and is Ontario's first laptop-based university. Sharing facilities and selected services with Durham College, UOIT has attracted over 1,800 students since its inception in 2003. To find out more, visit www.uoit.ca or call 1.866.844.8648.

About Ontario Tech University
A modern, forwarding-thinking university, Ontario Tech advances the discovery and application of knowledge to accelerate economic growth, regional development and social innovation. We inspire and equip our students and our graduates to make a positive impact in a tech-focused world. For us, it’s not only about developing the next tech breakthrough. Understanding and integrating the social and ethical implications of technology differentiates us as university. Learn more at ontariotechu.ca.

Media contact
Tania Henvey
Communications and Marketing
Ontario Tech University
905.721.3111 ext. 2513
tania.henvey@dc-uoit.ca