{"id":502427,"date":"2026-06-20T11:41:10","date_gmt":"2026-06-20T11:41:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/502427\/"},"modified":"2026-06-20T11:41:10","modified_gmt":"2026-06-20T11:41:10","slug":"i-deserve-to-be-here-bursaries-help-black-n-s-students-launch-health-care-careers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/il\/502427\/","title":{"rendered":"‘I deserve to be here’: Bursaries help Black N.S. students launch health-care careers"},"content":{"rendered":"

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More than just financial help, a yearly bursary program is helping a new generation of Black and African Nova Scotian students enter the medical field.<\/p>\n

When the Dartmouth General Hospital Foundation announced its latest winners on Tuesday, it marked six years of a program dedicated to bringing more Black professionals into local hospitals.<\/p>\n

For Shanique McFarland, a student at Lockview High School, the award means she can focus on her education.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt’ll definitely free up my time because I work two jobs and I have school,\u201d said McFarland. \u201cSo it’ll give me more time to work on school and better my grades.\u201d<\/p>\n

The foundation hands out two types of grants \u2014 an $8,000 award for a student of African ancestry, and a series of $2,000 bursaries for one African Nova Scotian student at each Dartmouth-area high school.<\/p>\n

The ceremony focused on community, bringing together local health-care workers, students, and past winners. <\/p>\n

\"AShanique McFarland won a $2,000 bursary, which she said will help her journey to work in respiratory therapy. (Colin North)<\/p>\n

Nathan Cromwell-Tesfazion received one of the grants in 2023. He worked with the foundation through his undergraduate studies, and will be attending medical school at Dalhousie University in the fall.<\/p>\n

\u201cI can say right away upon starting, I got an unbelievable amount of support from the foundation. I wouldn’t be where I am without them,\u201d he said. \u201cThey offered me employment, connected me with mentors, some of which are physicians who I’m still doing research with today.\u201d<\/p>\n

The foundation said the money is only one part of the equation. The program is also about proving to students that their hard work is recognized.<\/p>\n

Cromwell-Tesfazion said he became emotional when his medical school acceptance letter arrived.<\/p>\n

\u201cI know every day now when I walk into this hospital that I deserve to be here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

\"ANathan Cromwell-Tesfazion won the $8,000 grant in 2023. He will attend medical school at Dalhousie University this fall. (Colin North)<\/p>\n

The foundation has run the program for the last six years to ensure local health-care teams better reflect the communities they serve.<\/p>\n

Mariam Sulyman, a community partnership officer at the foundation, said these awards are a critical first step toward a stronger health system.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf your population feels seen in the health-care team that’s serving them, it’s a service to every single health-care professional no matter what ethnicity you are,\u201d said Sulyman.<\/p>\n

\"AMariam Sulyman said the bursaries are a first step toward breaking down barriers in health care. (Colin North)<\/p>\n

For McFarland, the long nights of studying are a worry for tomorrow. Today, she\u2019s grateful for a moment of recognition.<\/p>\n

\u201cI feel really happy because I feel seen and appreciated for my achievements,\u201d said McFarland. \u201cI feel really appreciated by everyone here.\u201d<\/p>\n

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