After working in the film and television industry for five years, I put my bustling city life on hold and chose to expand my knowledge and life skills in the nautical, specifically sailing, world. In June, 2017, I joined the tall ship, the Picton Castle as a trainee. After remaining with the ship all summer, I applied to the Picton Castle’s Bosun School program. As well as being accepted into the program, I was selected to received a bursary through NSSES. Upon graduating, I was honoured to be chosen as one of two valedictorians.
The financial relief that the bursary offered me was fundamental to expanding my traditional tall ship training. It was a career shift for me and with that comes new required education and skill sets. The positive impact that the financial support provided was essential to my focus and drive both within the program as well as my personal growth. With the great advantage of having a bursary, I was able to focus and immerse myself completely into the program.
Providing a financial support to deserving, hard working individuals, despite their age, plays a major role in their education. The majority of financial support systems, bursaries and grants, particularly in the marine industry, are only available for those in a younger age bracket. These limitations close doors for individuals who, bravely, choose to change their careers or simply want to expand their expertise and skill sets.
My good fortune in receiving financial support in order to attend the Picton Castles Bosun School program enabled me to do what I otherwise could not have done. I hope that future students are provided with the financial support that allows them to have the freedom to grow and learn as students.
– Ann Featherstone