How a bursary is helping propel Casey Reumkens’ post-secondary journey
When Casey Reumkens graduated from high school in 2020, she wasn’t sure of her next step.
With the COVID-19 pandemic in full force, Casey knew she didn’t thrive in an online-only education environment. Plus, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to take at university, so she decided to take some time off school.
That gap year “quickly turned into five years” before Casey felt like she knew what she wanted to do with her life: become a teacher.
Now in her first year of VIU’s Education program, Casey is confident in her decision.
“I am happy to be a student at VIU and am excited for my future here,” she says.
Transitioning to post-secondary
She credits VIU’s small class sizes and supportive environment with helping her build meaningful connections with classmates and professors, making the transition to post-secondary life feel both welcoming and manageable.
Support services play an important role in Casey’s post-secondary experience. Through VIU’s accessibility services, Casey, who is the first in her family to go to post-secondary, receives exam accommodations that help reduce her anxiety and stress during busy times of the year.
“My professors have all been extremely receptive and kind about my accommodations,” she adds.
Casey also received a bursary this year that she describes as “life changing,” noting that after taking time off before starting university, she was no longer eligible for many traditional scholarships. The award, supported by the Parksville Qualicum Community Foundation, is allowing her to focus on her studies with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher.
Looking ahead, Casey hopes to stay on Vancouver Island after she graduates and start teaching locally. She’d also like to take her experience abroad and use education as a way to explore different cultures and teaching approaches.
For students new to VIU, she offers some advice: “The first week is the scariest, but you will fall into a routine and become familiar in no time,” she says. “Remember, you are not alone, and there are supports.”
Getting to know Casey
Favourite study spot on campus: A seat near a window in the library.
Favourite way to take a study break: I usually try to find a quiet bench outside and take some time to breathe in the fresh air and read a book.
What do you love most about living on Vancouver Island? The nature! I love going on hikes with friends whenever possible. In the summer, I enjoy swimming and playing beach volleyball.
Join us in removing barriers to education
VIU is committed to supporting students like Casey achieve their dreams through the Ripples of Change fundraising campaign. The campaign aims to raise $2 million to increase the number and amount of scholarships, awards and bursaries given out to students in financial need.
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