7 BC Scholarship Society: Spotlight on the Transition Award

Hayden Bueckert is thriving in the kinesiology program at Vancouver Island University. He’s getting an A+ in the two most academically challenging courses of the program, Anatomy and Physiology. They also happen to be his two favourite courses, despite the intensive workload. It’s a testament to Hayden’s determination to succeed against the odds, an attribute he has displayed in many aspects of his life.

At VIU, Hayden has discovered a strong sense of community. “We share a lot of the same classes,” he says of his peers. This extends to his instructors, too: his anatomy professor happens to be his neighbour and operates a local physiotherapy clinic. Hayden finds the smaller size of VIU to be a benefit, creating a tight-knit community among students and professors.

Hayden is set on becoming a physiotherapist. He plans to “help people overcome chronic pain and stubborn injuries,” approaching his patients’ rehabilitation plans with passion and attention to detail. Hayden looks forward to translating the knowledge he is gaining through his studies towards a successful practice as a physiotherapist, providing “holistic solutions” informed by a deep understanding of biology and physiology.

Another motivation for Hayden’s career path is his own experience as a patient. While struggling with chronic pain and injury, Hayden found working with physiotherapists and others in healthcare professionals to be frustrating, time-consuming, and confusing. These experiences have furthered Hayden’s drive to pursue his career aspirations and seek to enact positive change in the industry.

The BC Scholarship Society’s Transition Award is offered to students like Hayden who are moving into post-secondary studies after completing ABE courses. The Award aims to assist in the financial strain that education can place on students. While Hayden works hard to supplement his income, there are limitations to how much he can take on. “Because of my injuries, even part‑time work is difficult,” he notes. Receiving the Transition Award has made a significant difference for Hayden. “It gave me some breathing room,” he says. “It’s alleviated the pressure.”

Since starting his kinesiology studies, Hayden has been able to develop a deeper understanding not only of his past injuries but also the means to work through them. “The coolest part about the anatomy and physiology courses,” he says, “is being able to apply that knowledge.” Though he still lives with the pain, Hayden characteristically sees it “as a constant reminder to focus my time and energy on learning” and pursuing his dreams.

For more information about the Transition Award, please visit: https://www.bcscholarshipsociety.ca/transition-award/am-i-eligible/