Linaya Davis

What education have you taken?

I attended Swan Valley Regional Secondary School (SVRSS) from 2009 to 2013. I graduated from SVRSS with distinction. I began studying at Brandon University in that fall, September 2013, and will graduate next year with a Bachelor of Business Administration Honours degree with a minor in Economics.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

Throughout all my schooling I was on the honour roll list. I graduated from Swan Valley Regional Secondary School with distinction in 2013 and was awarded the Marketing Award upon having the highest academic standing in the business department. I was also the recipient of the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce Youth Business Institute Bursary and The Wai Family Scholarship. I knew shortly afterwards that I wanted to pursue post-secondary education at Brandon University. After applying to Brandon University, I received a few more scholarships that have helped me financially through university. I received the Chernoff Family Award in the first year of university, which has been renewed each year. This scholarship helped pay for a lot of my expenses and I am so thankful for the generosity of others. As well, in 2014 I received the Brandon College Class of ’51 Scholarship. I was also the recipient of the LP Scholarship Program of Louisiana-Pacific Corporation from Scholarship America and the recipient of the United Food & Commercial Workers Local 832 Education & Training Trust Fund Scholarship Award.  Being the recipient of all these scholarships has really relieved a lot of stress and has helped me focus on what was most important – my schooling. I have been fortunate to obtain these scholarships and am proud of the fact that I have not needed a student loan to cover my school expenses. It really has been such a great opportunity having my hard work recognized and having my schooling funded for me at the same time.

Since my second year of university, I have been a Residence Mentor and a Study Skills Specialist in Student Services. I held these positions for two years and am currently a University Marker. I have been a member of the Golden Key International Honour Society for a few years. I have really enjoyed these positions as well as working with others so it’s been an honour to have contributed to the university in these ways. I will always keep these experiences close to my heart as it has shaped me into the incredibly diverse student I am today.

Tell me about yourself.

I grew up in Swan River, Manitoba with my parents and my two older brothers. I am the first of the family to leave home to study at a post-secondary institution. I am very close to my family, so the decision to attend university four hours away from home and everything I was accustomed to was a very hard decision. However, I would not be the strong, confident woman I am today without the continual support of my parents and my brothers. They have always reminded that I can do anything I set my mind to and to work hard, even if it seems tough.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

I was always interested in business and finance even throughout high school, so I knew that I wanted to pursue it in my post-secondary education. When I first entered university, I wanted to keep my options open so I took a few English and Creative Writing courses. However, I quickly realized that it was not my passion as I really enjoyed my Economics courses and  Business Administration courses in my first year. By my second year of university, I focused my studies towards Business Administration and Economics. I have not turned back since and am very happy with my decision to study these. I have learned so much and am so thankful for the opportunity to study at Brandon University.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is based upon these quotes. “The size of your success is measured by the strength of your desire; the size of your dream; and how you handle disappointment along the way.” I always believed that anyone can do anything if they set their mind to it so I have always lived by the principle of “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Currently I do not have any set plans for the future. I like to keep my options open and if an opportunity arises that may interest me, I’ll take it! I would like to do some travelling after graduation and consider getting my Master’s degree as well. Whatever the future holds, I hope to apply the knowledge I have gathered here at Brandon University to my future career. It has been a wonderful experience and I will definitely miss Brandon University once I graduate.

Nominator’s Comments

Linaya Carington Davis  is a strong, hardworking and delightful student, who was part of the two student all female team (with Catherine Dubois) who delivered the best business plan and will be participating in the provincial New Venture Competition at the end of this term.

Linaya is a thoughtful student with a well-developed ability to get her ideas on paper.