Brette Holland has a passion for learning, sports and fitness.
A regular volunteer in her community and a gifted athlete, Brette enjoys helping people and seeing others succeed 鈥斅爐raits she showed during her Mechanical Engineering studies on the Agricultural Campus.
Now, she鈥檚 bringing those traits with her to Halifax, as she works to complete her Engineering degree at Dal鈥檚 Faculty of Engineering. She was one of five students this year selected to receive the Nova Scotia Power Centennial Scholarship, a renewable two-year award.
鈥淚 am very honoured to be a recipient of the Nova Scotia Power Centennial Scholarship,鈥� said Brette. 鈥淎s a student, financial aid goes a long way when pursuing an education. I am very grateful and appreciative of this scholarship.鈥�
It鈥檚 not her first time through AV俱乐部, either: Brette graduated from Dal with distinction in 2013, completing a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Mathematics with a certificate in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics. She has been named to the Dean鈥檚 List every year of her university studies.
鈥淪he is equally recognized for her intelligence and diligence as her kindness and leadership,鈥� says Mandi Wilson, administrative coordinator at the Department of Engineering in Truro. 鈥淪he aspires to excellence in every activity.鈥�
An all-around student
Brette grew up in Shortts Lake, N.S. 鈥淚 was drawn to Mechanical Engineering because of my passion for math and physics along with my keen interest for problem solving,鈥� she says. 鈥淭hroughout my life I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities and support of my family to participate in many sporting and community events . . . I was always encouraged to help others achieve their goals in both academics and athletics.鈥�
While studying at Dal鈥檚 Agricultural Campus, Brette competed on both the golf and the women鈥檚 varsity soccer teams. She was named Rookie of the Year for golf in 2014-15 and MVP for 2015-16, noting that she'll always treasure playing in the national championships in 2015. She was named a CCAA Academic All-Canadian, ACAA All Conference and Dal AC All Academic Athlete for 2014-15. She is also an avid runner, having participated in many local races and competing in the Nike Women鈥檚 half marathon in Washington, D.c. in 2014.
鈥淏rette is an exceptional student-athlete,鈥� said Dal AC Athletics Director Judy Smith. 鈥淎 dedicated, coachable athlete, she has a competitive sport spirit and is a supportive teammate.鈥�
In her spare time, Brette is also a certified Zumba and ZumbAtomic instructor, having taught regular classes in Halifax, Enfield and Brookfield. She has volunteered her Zumba skills for a multitude of fundraising events, including Relay for Life, Alzheimer鈥檚 Society of Nova Scotia and Girl Guides. She also tutors math at all grade levels.
As for what she envisions after completing her engineering degree: 鈥淚 plan to pursue a career in biomedical engineering developing prosthetic limbs due to my strong passion for sport and fitness as well as helping others.鈥�