My Story

Here is the story of how I ended up at Brescia. Hopefully it will give you some helpful background! The story is kind of long, though, so if you’re not feeling like a lot of reading, you can check out the Cole’s Notes version here.

So.

Unlike some people who thought Brescia was for them from the beginning, I was totally not into the women’s college thing. When I was in high school, Brescia came to my school for a volunteer fair. I got talking to them and they sounded really nice, but I probably laughed out loud when they told me they went to women’s college. Women’s college? I thought. No way. I don’t even like girls. Girls annoy me. Most of my friends are guys. There would probably be tons of catfights and drama at a women’s college. I told the girls at the volunteer fair that Brescia sounded nice, but there was no way I was EVER going to an all girls school.

However, I had no idea where I was going to go to school. I definitely had no idea what I wanted to take. And I was sick and tired of people asking me “do you know what you want to do?”

SINCE WHEN ARE YOU SUPPOSED TO KNOW WHAT YOU WANT TO DO AT AGE 17?!?!

I sure didn’t. To quote my grade 12 self on a scholarship application:

“I would like to obtain an undergraduate degree in Music, French, Business, Humanities, Law, or a combination of the above…”

In other words:

“I have no idea what I want to do.”

(And, in case you were wondering, I did not end up studying any of the above options.)

So, uncertain of my future, I applied to three different programs at three different places: a Combined Management Co-op, a Vocal Jazz program, and a general Arts program.

Eventually, I accepted the Arts program, but my plans were soon to change…

One day in business class, I had the following conversation with my friend Melissa:

Mel: So how’s the University thing going?

Kate: Fine. I already accepted that arts program.

Mel: Cool. Did you ever check out Brescia?

Kate: Isn’t that the all girls school!?! Mel, you know I’d never go to an all girls school.

Mel: Yeah, but have you checked out their scholarship program? Your average is pretty good.

Kate: Mel, I’m pretty sure you couldn’t PAY me to go to a women’s college.

Despite my reluctance, she convinced me to go on Brescia’s website and look at their scholarships. They were crazy!!!  Even though I had a high average, the other schools I applied to barely offered anything in the way of scholarships. But at Brescia, if I got over 80%, I would automatically receive anywhere between $1500 and $3500, and I could get that same value every year!

Although I was still not into the women’s college thing, I had this weird feeling that I just had to call Brescia. Just to confirm that their insanely generous scholarships were actually real.

Turns out that call changed my entire university pathway, and, well, my entire life.

I called Brescia up and asked about the scholarships and about the school, and even though I made it really clear I was just asking, they somehow convinced me to come on a tour. “Seriously,” they said. “Coming to campus will give you a really good feel for what it’s like here.”

I didn’t really believe it, but I didn’t have anything to lose.

As it turns out, my decision to tour Brescia was what completely swayed me to go here. When I arrived, they greeted me by name. My tour guide, Jessica Patterson (who was then student but now works at Brescia) showed me all around. I was amazed that she knew pretty much everyone, and she introduced me to them all. The other thing that I thought was really cool was the fact that Brescia seemed to have some unique programs and interesting extracurriculars, like a Leadership Certificate. There also seemed to be a big focus on volunteering and getting involved, which was important to me. Most of all, it just felt like a community. Kind of like home, but also EXCITING because it was University and there were so many possibilities!

I had such a great time on my tour that I came home and cautiously told my parents that I was thinking about switching my University choice. They were pretty supportive, but wanted to know more about it. I told them about the programs, about the course flexibility, about the really nice people, and about the scholarships. I told my Dad that yes, I could go to Brescia for two years and then go to Ivey Business School after (which I didn’t actually do). And then, just to be sure, I went back for a second tour.

My second tour was even better than the first. While I was there I got to speak to an Academic Advisor about what I wanted to study and what kind of courses I might be able to take. She sat down with me, explained everything, and helped me set up my new University timetable. I also got to meet with different faculty and staff, and see more of the school! The women in the Registrar’s Office also helped me sort of my scholarship and all my fees, since I was changing my Institution.

And then, all of a sudden, I was a Brescia student.

The rest, as they say, is history…

Kate’s Story (Cole’s Notes)

Even University students use Cole’s Notes sometimes!

My Story

Stage One: I had no clue what I wanted to do at University (politics? business? music? languages?). One thing I did know: I was NEVER going to an all girls school.

Stage Two: I applied to a few different places, and eventually I accepted an offer from a general arts program.

Stage Three: By a strange fluke, I found out about Brescia’s awesome scholarships ($1500+ starting at an 80% average!!). I was still not convinced about the all-girls thing.

Stage Four: I called Brescia and they convinced me to come for a tour.

Stage Five: I came for a tour and fell in love with the campus, the community feel, and the focus on leadership and community service opportunities.

Stage Six: I came back for a second tour and they helped me sort out all my academic and financial stuff.

Stage Seven: I accepted Brescia and it changed my life!