As a high school graduate from North Battleford, Saskatchewan, Taryn Jackson had a number of post-secondary options to consider. With offers from universities in Saskatchewan, Quebec, and the United States, it was a combination of scholarships, school size, and reputation that ultimately led her to Brandon University.

“I had a really good lesson with the trumpet teacher and then after I auditioned, they [Brandon University’s School of Music] sent me a letter the next day after my audition offering me scholarships and letting me know they wanted me and had accepted me,” explained Taryn. Indeed, the promising young trumpet player earned four music-related scholarships from that audition. Her strong academic marks from grades 11 and 12 also earned her two additional Board of Governors scholarships exclusive to students entering BU from high school. “I don’t have to take on a part-time job,” she explained about the benefits of her awards. “I can focus on my studies and that’s 100% of my focus.” Taryn has now received a total of nine scholarships since beginning at BU in 2011.

As an added bonus, Taryn was able to use some of the funds made available to her to participate in the world-class Le Domaine Forget summer music program in Saint-Irénée, Quebec. “You have two masters on your instrument come in…and you do a daily master class with them,” she explained. “It was the most beautiful location ever and you could meet trumpet players from across Canada, across the U.S., some from Europe – it was great!” Taryn noted that without the support of scholarships, she may not have chosen to participate in a program that enhanced her education experience.

When asked what advice she would give to students thinking about Brandon University, Taryn didn’t hesitate. “The application is so easy…apply for entrance scholarships, definitely!” As a student living in residence, she likens campus life to a close-knit community. “It’s always good – it does give you access and more chances to interact with people from other degrees and find out what you’re doing.”

As for how she feels about receiving so much financial support? “HUGE thank-you’s [to the donors],” she said. “I don’t know if they know how much stress they relieve from students who get scholarships, how much easier that makes studying and how much more success can come because of those scholarships!”

For more information on scholarships, bursaries, and awards, students can contact scholarships@brandonu.ca, or call 204-727-9737. Interested donors can call 204-727-9715, or e-mail development@brandonu.ca.