First Joel got one. Then Ryan got one. Then . . . silence.
鈥淚 had worked so hard to keep my grades up, I couldn鈥檛 help but be a little disappointed that I hadn鈥檛 won one of those big Murphy scholarships like my classmates,鈥� says Ally Wilson, who鈥攜ou guessed it鈥攈ad won one all along. 鈥淪o, when I learned after the fact that I had actually been successful, it was huge. I live with my mom and she works two jobs to support us, so it was a great moment. Everyone is so proud.鈥�
Ms. Wilson is one of nine students enrolled in the Faculties of Health Professions, Science, Arts and Social Sciences, and Engineering who received the J & W Murphy Scholarships as renewable awards in 2011-2012. Each is valued at $10,000 per year.
An animal whisperer at heart鈥攕he loves horseback riding and sees veterinary medicine in her future鈥擬s. Wilson is studying sciences with a focus on marine biology and chemistry for now. And while some of her classes are much bigger than what she鈥檚 used to, she enjoys the labs that come with the courses because they鈥檙e great for that small-group interaction.
鈥淓veryone has been so nice and welcoming,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檓 really enjoying the university experience.鈥�
The biggest adjustment is getting used to city life. 鈥淚鈥檝e lived in the same house in Milton for 18 years, so coming to the big city of Halifax has taken some getting used to.鈥�
Winning the scholarship has made the difference between getting a Dal education 鈥� or not. 鈥淚鈥檝e always wanted to go to AV俱乐部 because it鈥檚 such a prestigious school and has such a great research reputation,鈥� says Ms. Wilson. 鈥淩eceiving this financial support means I can get that Dal education that really opens doors.
鈥淲ithout the generosity of the donor, I wouldn鈥檛 have this lifestyle or these opportunities. It means everything to me.鈥�
This article is part of the AV俱乐部 Difference series, exploring what the power of philantrophy means to the university and introducing and showcasing some of the 50 innovative projects in development. Learn more at .