Manulife Life Lessons Scholarship Program for post-secondary students

“The power of resilience. Resilience is about facing challenges with strength and perseverance while finding ways to adapt... " Read Allison’s story.

“The most important part of your story is how you rise from adversity. This lesson has allowed me to pick up myself and keep going...” Read Desmond’s story.

“To be resilient, no matter what. When I started university, both of my parents were suddenly diagnosed with cancer...” Read Hadi’s story.

“The greatest life lesson that has helped me arrive where I am today is resilience. Without resilience, I never would've persevered through the struggles associated with grief…” Read Hailey’s story.

“Losing my dad to suicide helped me to recognize the importance of breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, while losing my mom solidified that life is short.…” Read Irene’s story.

“My parents personal battles with mental illness taught me that to stay resilient in the face of adversity, you must life live in abundance, taking nothing for granted…” Read Jordan’s story.

“My experience losing my father taught me so much, however the lesson that sticks with me the most is that you never know what struggles someone is facing behind closed doors… “Read Josh’s story.

“My greatness life lesson is to follow in my fathers footsteps and provide for my family but also to make sure they're protected even if I'm not there...” Read Kaj’s story

“My greatest life lesson is to be able to support yourself without relying on others, financially and personally, because there are no guarantees in life...” Read Layla’s story

“Losing my father at fourteen taught me that life is short, driving me to maximize every opportunity before it is too late. This ongoing dedication led to my current academic, work and extracurricular success...” Read Salma’s story

“The greatest life lesson that has helped me arrive where I am today is life cannot be lived in the rearview…" Read Naomi’s story.

“I've always seen trials as a way of learning and growing. I believe that nothing happens for nothing and that everything we go through will serve us well one day or another…” Read Alison’s story.

“Don't blame yourself for things out of your control. The past cannot change for you, but you can learn from your past regrets to change what you can, control, the future…” Read Laurel’s story.

“I learned that by working hard I can achieve anything I want, including good grades, a better than minimum wage job, and money management skills…” Read Maya’s story.

“Resilience is not a trait, it is practiced and developed. Even when faced with the greatest challenges in life, one must believe that it gets better one day…” Read Guntaas’ story.

“The passing of my guardian taught me that life is precious and fleeting. I learned to cherish every moment I have with those I love and to never take a single day for granted…” Read Edgar’s story.

“My experience losing my father taught me so much, however the lesson that sticks with me the most is that you never know what struggles someone is facing behind closed doors… “Read Mckenna’s story.

“My Mom taught me my greatest life lesson: to be perseverant. She endured 6 years of treatments before dying from cancer and never stopped fighting…” Read Stefan’s story.

“In order to be the best version of myself, my dad always taught me to bounce back from every fall in life and to work twice as hard as the first time…” Read Nazuk’s story.

“Be adaptive in life and have backup plans. I've learned that life will always move forward, and create new problems to be faced every day, so flexibility is key…” Read Amy’s story.

“There are many life lessons I have learned but the one which impacts me the most has to be reflecting on how my failures has influenced my life…” Read Kassidy’s story.

“The greatest life lesson I learned was to make every moment count. Life takes unexpected turns and tomorrow is never guaranteed…” Read Olivia’s story.

“My greatest life lesson was the importance of family. This experience has shown me how vital your loved ones are and how much of an impact they have on your life…” Read Mya’s story.

“Based on my experiences, the greatest life lesson I've learned is not to take each day for granted. You do not know how much time you have left…” Read Mikalah’s story.

“My greatest life lesson would to be live everyday like it could possibly be your last. This allowed me to take chances that I would not have such, like attending University….” Read Madison’s story.

“After my father’s death, I learned to be unflappable and deeply resilient. I learned that family is the greatest blessing anyone can have…” Read Nosaiba’s story.

“My greatest life lesson has been 'time is valuable'. I have learned to appreciate the small moments - you never know when it'll be the last… ” Read Ashwini’s story.

“You should never take for granted the precious time you have. You have one short life, only spend it doing the things that truly brighten your day…” Read Bryce’s story.

“I have learned from these experiences that, throughout my life, I am going to face many challenges and difficulties and that it is not the challenges that define me… ” Read Sophie’s story.

“I learned that no matter what, always look on the bright side and be kind. I believe this mindset helped me get to where I am today…” Read Isabelle’s story.

“I have found it very difficult sometimes to continue my education, but with deeply depressing circumstances comes resilience and strength…” Read Austin’s story .

“I know my mom did all she could to care for us, but unfortunately education was just not in the budget…” Read Brynn’s story.

“Without life insurance, my family carries around this financial burden. My mom works 3 jobs, my sister and I work 2 jobs through the summer and one through the school months…” Read Daniella’s story.

“The loss I experienced made me mature from a young girl with dreams and aspirations to a young adult who wanted to make sure her family was in a place of happiness again…” Read Hailey’s story.

“Although no one thought I could do it, people looked at my parents choices, and my family's financial situation and considered me a write off, thought I would go nowhere - I've persevered and fought to be where I am…” Read Kaitlyn’s story.

“When I was four years old my four siblings and I were removed from their care, and I spent my childhood with various family members until my sister took custody at age eighteen. My parents’ substance-use and mental health struggles impeded them from purchasing life insurance or pursuing financial planning…” Read Kim’s story.

“Initially, I told myself I’d be a social worker. That way I could help people struggling with addiction, just like my dad. But really, I chose this route because it seemed like a practical path that would result in a stable job. My anxiety for financial stability held me back…” Read Lauren’s story.

“I was on the debate team all through high school and dreamt of going to Harvard law school. I even graduated high school with a 93% average. But after attending one info session, I knew my family could not afford it and I would have to save up myself if I wanted to go…” Read Natasha’s story.

“It is my dream to be a medical doctor so that I can play a critical role in reducing maternal and infant mortality in Africa and also offer a great deal back to the Canadian community…” Read Paris’ story.

“My father’s lack of life insurance magnified the burden my cousin faced when taking on the mantle of caring for me. With her husband being the sole provider for this new family, due to her own mental turmoil, there was no room for excess…” Read Sarah’s story.

“Every step of my academic journey had been burdened by financial challenges. I put myself through school by aggressively working multiple jobs and saving money, applying for social support in the form of bursaries for children in government care, and seeking every scholarship opportunity… “ Read Serena’s story.

“I have maintained a 92% grade average while working 25 hours a week since I was 13 years old. I have financially supported my family with car repair payments, groceries, and household bills. Throughout all of this my want to learn, grow and become someone who can create change in the world has increased every year…” Read Tehya’s story.

“Imagine you hop into the backseat and catch your mother’s teary eyes in the rear-view mirror. Your mind goes into a stupor as you hear: “Dad passed away.” This was the situation I found myself in when I learned of my father’s death… “ Read Zoe’s story.

“Our ultimate goal is to make our mom proud and try to impact the world in such a positive way like our mother did…” Read Alexandra’s story.

“Receiving this scholarship would allow me to work less, in order to put more focus and energy into school and succeed/excel as a student and Social Worker...” Read Amber’s story.

“If we had life insurance, I would have been able to consider living with my brother and worry less about how I will repay my student debt while raising my brother after graduation…” Read Andrew’s story.

“If my father knew about estate planning and how affordable term life insurance is, we would probably not be in the situation we are in today. I'm going into business school to learn more about what my parents could have done to prepare us. I'm not afraid to share my story because I know some of my experiences will act as a survival guide for those going through the same thing...” Watch Aria’s story.

Scholarship Amount: $10,000
School: York University
Program: Business

“My father’s death made me realize that life is too short. I gained a deeper appreciation of the blessings in my life and took the initiative to make a difference in my community by volunteering over 100 hours a year...” Read Daniel’s story.

“Life tried to bring us down, but we came out willing to work hard to turn it around...” Read Elizabeth’s story.

Scholarship Amount: $10,000
School: University of Montreal
Program: Health Sciences

“Now, more than ever, I understand the dire financial strain that my father's passing caused, something that would have been diminished with the safety net of life insurance...” Read Emily’s story.

“Although some days are harder than others, I always achieve my responsibilities because I want my father to be proud of me...” Read Fernando’s story.

“My unbreakable perseverance would not allow our financial situation to decide our fate...” Read Gracee’s story.

“Being new immigrants to Canada from Morocco, we didn’t have much and my parents made many sacrifices so that we would have a chance at making a life for ourselves. All I’ve ever wanted is to make them proud by getting the education they never had...” Read Imane’s story.

“Since my dad’s passing, I have felt driven to pursue medicine. I hope to become the first doctor in my family…” Read Jersey’s story.

“It was already so stressful and emotional grieving the loss of my dad, but it was truly unsettling to be grieving while at the same time wondering how we would afford his funeral…” Read Jordan’s story.

“If my dad had insurance, then my mom would have been able to afford the funeral expenses... would have kept saving for my education and... we would have been able to move forward...” Read Lee-An’s story.

“Because my parents did not have any life insurance, my siblings and I were on our own to provide for ourselves. If they did have insurance, I would not have had to re-route my education plan and we might have not had to move...” Read Molly’s story.

“My father had a way of motivating those around him to excel. He actively wanted me and my brothers to achieve more than he ever could. I choose to honour his memory by going above and beyond the aspirations he had for me in all aspects of life...” Read Ojima’s story.

“My mother has shown me courage and bravery; and she taught me that you can never dream too big if you have the dedication. One thing I am certain of is that my mother wanted to see me succeed, and I will not disappoint her...” Read Olivia’s story.

“With [my fathers] passing, I have lost my biggest supporter, stability, home and access to our savings. This scholarship will enable me to get back onto the path I have worked so hard to create and receive the education I need to prevent others from going through the same pain...” Read Raihanna’s story.

“Despite my fathers passing, his determination to continue his education inspired me then and inspires me now. After my undergrad, I plan to complete a masters degree in International Relations or Environmental Resources Sustainability...” Read Veronica’s story.

“I was determined to continue my post-secondary education in order to make my mom proud, be there for my dad and get my dream job of being a nurse...” Read Wilemijn’s story.

“With adequate life insurance, choosing to pursue a post-secondary education would not have been a difficult decision...”Read William’s story.

“My mother passing is the hardest battle I’ve faced. She was my source of strength and resilience…” Read Jackie’s story.

“If we had financial support, we could both have gone for counselling and therapy to help us heal from our heartbreak. But we could barely even get by…” Read Jazzmin’s story.

“Although it would not have made her death more bearable, if my mother had life insurance it would have eased the horrible financial burden my brothers and I were left with at such a young age…” Read Kwaze’s story.

“My mother's illness affected myself and my family long before she died, and continues to affect us long after, but knowing how proud she would be of us for how far we’ve come makes it a little easier every day…” Read Lina’s story.

“The team of nurses who supported my family and I through our darkest days sparked within me a desire to serve my community…” Read Elinor’s story.

“One thing I know is this: both of my parents would want me to get a good education, and they would be extremely proud to see me graduate. I do not plan on failing them…” Read Adam’s story.

“Life can change instantly; I know this well. This is why life insurance is the most imperative investment. It is the ones we love most dearly that are burdened with expenses once we are gone…” Read Elias’ story.

“Attending law school and pursuing a career in human rights law is my dream and is something that I know would make my father immensely proud…” Read Emma’s story.

“With adequate life insurance, my mother wouldn't have had to work three jobs while my brother and I worked two in order to make ends meet…” Read Hailey’s story.

“When dealing with grief, financial constraints are the last thing you want to be worrying about…” Read Connor’s story.

“Before [my mother’s] death, I was already passionate about school, but following it, I had a renewed drive to succeed. I hope to graduate with this degree and to end up in a medical/health profession where I can help others who are in need…” Read Kiana’s story.

“If we had life insurance, we would have been able to properly grieve my mother’s death...” Read Gabrielle’s story.

“I am thankful for the care my mom received when she was sick, and hopefully, one day I can help others the way so many people helped her...” Read Miranda’s story.

“The week that my dad was murdered was the busiest, most stressful week of my academic career…” Read Shae Lynn’s story.

“My dad had the same mitochondrial disorder that my mother had… Within the ten months following, I watched my hero fall from grace...” Read Kaylee Lyn’s story.

“If my father did have life insurance, things may have not turned out the way they did…” Read Cynthia’s story.

“[My mother] was my biggest supporter and my greatest teacher, showing me the power of education and discipline...” Read Olivier’s story.

“We cannot control when our final hour may come, but we can control the effect that we have on those who we leave behind...” Read Nicholas’s story.

“I was eighteen and in my final months of high school when [my mom] was diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer...” Read Felix’s story.

“I was suddenly on my own and felt that the floor had fallen from under me...” Read Shyen’s story.

“Each day, I wake up wanting to make sure that no one has to suffer like my father did...” Read Lindsey’s story.