As Rob Ralph about what he likes about teaching, then stand back. This recent Faculty of Education graduate is contagiously enthusiastic about his new career. He is already working as a substitute teacher for the Vancouver School Board, and is aiming for a permanent position in his specialty area, special education. He is also keenly aware of the role a UBC bursary has played in his success.

“When I was doing my teaching practicum I was also working at the Pendulum Restaurant (on campus),” he says. “I had to give up the job because the practicum was very intense and took up most of my time. It was a really hard decision, because the job was paying my living expenses and tuition.”

An Emergency Assistance Bursary made the difference for Rob. “Michael Wong, my advisor in Enrolment Services, was really helpful. We developed a budget together so I could make the most of the bursary funding.”

“I was just speechless over getting the bursary. As a student, if you take your future career seriously, it’s really hard to make ends meet on a part-time wage. With the bursary funding, you’re not worried about getting enough to eat, or paying the phone bill or the rent.”

Rob is using his undergraduate majors of geography and political science in his teaching. Political science is valuable because “you have a better understanding of how the world works. These days, kids need to learn how to tackle problems from many perspectives.”

When asked what he would say to someone who might be thinking about endowing a scholarship or bursary, Rob is adamant. “Do it. A lot of families have hopes and dreams for their kids that they can’t make happen themselves. It will do more for a person’s future than you could ever understand.”

Because students experience different financial needs at different times in their academic career, UBC has several different types of bursaries. Entrance bursaries are available to high school students entering first year, and students do not have to receive government loans and grants in order to qualify. The General Bursary Program helps students fulfill their unment financial needs. Affiliation Bursaries require a connection to a specific club, trade union, company, region or demographic group. Emergency Financial Assistance fills the gap when students are in an emergency situation or face an unexpected expense. Please contact us for information on how to establish a bursary of your choice.

Explore the Impact of Your Giving

• Back to Scholarly Pursuits
• Back to Storybank: Supporting Students