When we last shared M’s story, she had gone from crisis to campus.
At just 15, M arrived in Canada completely alone after fleeing the war in Ukraine. She had no family here, no home, and no clear path forward. After multiple stays at the North Shore Youth Safe House and time spent in and out of foster care, the future she had once imagined felt far away.
But this remarkable young woman never stopped moving forward.
With support from The Hollyburn Society, she found stability, structure, and the encouragement she needed to keep going. With the help of Hollyburn’s Student Support Program, she graduated from high school, began managing life on her own, and was accepted to the University of British Columbia to study International Relations.
Now 18, M is taking her studies even further — all the way to Scotland.
This September, she will travel to the University of Edinburgh for a three-month exchange program through UBC, an opportunity that will allow her to learn from a new country, culture, and education system.
“When I applied to the program in Edinburgh, I wasn’t confident I would be accepted,” M shared. “I knew my application had to be as strong as possible. With the help of Christina, Hollyburn’s Student Support Manager, I was able to share my story, my goals, and my potential in a way that stood out among applications from around the world.”
For M, this opportunity is about more than travel. It is a chance to learn in a new environment, gain fresh perspective, and bring new ideas and knowledge back to her studies in Vancouver.
“I’ve never been to the UK before,” she said. “I have two friends from Ukraine living in England who speak highly of their experiences, so I can’t wait to witness it for myself.”
Before arriving in Scotland, M will stop in Prague to reunite with her mother for some long-awaited family time before beginning her next adventure.
“When I came to Canada three years ago, I never thought I could have the life I am living now,” M reflected. “After everything I had been through, I didn’t believe this kind of future was possible. The Student Support Program gave me structure, purpose, and the support I needed to access educational opportunities I never thought were within reach. I am truly grateful for The Hollyburn Society’s guidance, care, and compassion.”
M.’s message to other young people on the North Shore is simple:
“If you are dreaming big and ready to go after the life you want, but you don’t know how to get there, talk to Christina and The Hollyburn Society team. They want the best for you and are here to help you achieve your goals.”
M’s story is still being written. Because of generous supporters like you, her next chapter is filled with possibility, and more young people on the North Shore can access the support they need to find a way forward.