Scholarship Spotlight: Sidnel Blessing Longuma
November 20, 2024
At Virtual High School, we understand how quickly costs can add up when students head off to college or university! The Sommerville Scholarship, launched in 2021, helps ease financial concerns for students pursuing post-secondary education. Named in honour of one of VHS’s most dedicated teachers, the late Ed Sommerville, the scholarship awards $1,000 annually to a deserving student who demonstrates academic excellence.
We are thrilled to introduce this year’s recipient, Sidnel Blessing Longuma! Sidnel is an international student from the Democratic Republic of Congo who made the incredible journey to St. Thomas University (STU) in Fredericton, New Brunswick. Raised in Uganda, Sidnel recently graduated from VHS while attending a partnership school (U-Can International) located in Uganda.
Sidnel has already fully immersed herself in new activities and experiences at STU:
A friend invited me to rugby tryouts to see whether I would like it. Although I did not stick with it, I am glad I got to try it and get a feel for what it’s like!”
In addition to her studies, Sidnel is focused on joining student clubs and volunteering. She participated in “STU Cares Day of Action,” volunteering with Greener Village, a non-profit that grows food to feed the community. Sidnel is also volunteering with the Campus Ministry’s breakfast program and Food Bank.
She is also actively involved with the Sustainability Club, helping to organize a climate rally that is focused on health and the environment, and she’s a member of Enactus, an organization that tackles the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. Sidnel speaks passionately about environmental causes:
I feel like there is an urgent necessity for environmental action and change, especially considering the increasing issues that are jeopardizing our Earth.”
Sidnel shares that her experience with VHS has prepared her for university, and the online learning environment provided the flexibility that helped her develop essential technology and writing skills. The format of the virtual classroom cultivated independence and self-discipline, which she recognizes as being crucial to her success. The supportive online community allowed her to connect with teachers and peers, and it created a network she continues to foster. She is appreciative of the opportunities VHS opened for her:
As an international student, taking my high school courses with VHS has provided me with the opportunity to pursue my post-secondary education in Canada, which I may not have had the chance to otherwise.”
Upon learning she was awarded the Sommerville Scholarship, Sidnel was overwhelmed with emotion. The scholarship will ease the financial burden of being an international student, covering expenses like textbooks, and winter clothing - a necessity for her first Canadian winter! It has also helped to alleviate some pressure off her parents, who have worked tirelessly to provide her with this opportunity.
Currently Sidnel is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts with aspirations to double major in Environment and Society, and possibly Psychology. Her focus on environmental studies stems from a belief in the urgent need for action against pressing ecological issues.
As a newcomer to university life, Sidnel offers valuable advice to high school students considering their next steps. She encourages them to explore their interests and passions, as she herself was uncertain until she reached the latter part of grade 12. She now feels as though she’s thriving in the university experience:
While I was nervous about jumping into university right after high school, I am thrilled to see how much I will learn this year and in years to come.”
Sidnel’s passion for environmental advocacy drives her. She hopes to contribute to solutions for the environmental challenges faced in Canada, and her home countries:
I hope I stick with the Environment and Society program, because I would love to be a part of the solutions for our Earth, and the environment, in my country and others.”
When she manages to find some spare time, Sidnel enjoys visiting art galleries with her friends and trying Pilates, yoga, and boxing.
We have no doubt that with her passion for environmental causes and making her community a better place, Sidnel will make a remarkable impact on the world - and we can’t wait to follow along in her journey!
If you’re interested in learning more about the Sommerville Scholarship and how you can apply, visit our Bursaries and Scholarships page.
Applications for the 2025 Sommerville Scholarship are due by August 1, 2025.