News

By Emma Geldart

Four years ago, Shelby Jamieson had no idea that she would be where she is today.

Although she started her degree with no agricultural background, Shelby has been proudly selected as Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture’s first Queen Elizabeth Scholar and also awarded the Export Development Canada (EDC) International Business Scholarship.

The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program, supported by the Community Foundations of Canada, offers global experiences for students that will benefit them throughout their careers. Through the program, Shelby will complete an internship this summer in Kampala, Uganda. She will work with the Southern and Eastern African Trade, Information and Negotiations Institute (SEATINI) on issues around food security.

“It really means a lot to me and my family to have been chosen for this prestigious scholarship,” Shelby explains. “I’m both honored and excited to begin my journey with the other interns from Dal to travel to Uganda for a summer internship. I’m also excited to gain these experiences in which I can support and share with additional QE Scholars in the future!”

Shelby is one of three scholars from Dalhousie University but the only scholar from the Faculty of Agriculture.

Shelby was also awarded the EDC International Business Scholarship. This award is presented to students across the country with an interest in building an international business career. A competitive program, it considers students who are rich in domestic and international business experience, leadership skills and accomplishments, and are considering international business as a career.

“Without any expectations, I applied with the help of my professors,” Shelby explains. “I couldn’t believe that I had actually won!”

Shelby grew up in the small, rural community of Tatamagouche, NS, and, unlike many Dal AC students, she didn’t come directly from a farm. She was interested in business with more of a science base and so Dal AC seemed like an appropriate fit. Shelby will be graduting in May 2016 from the  Bachelor of Science (Agriculture) program, majoring in Agricultural Business and minoring in Agricultural Economics.

In addition to her studies, Shelby has dedicated much of her spare time to volunteering on campus. She served as a Student Peer Mentor, an Engage Colchester-Truro Youth Forum Facilitator, volunteered with Canadian Ag Literacy Week and was recently the recipient of a SAIL (Student Advancement in Leadership) award- an award that is presented to students with over 650 volunteer hours. She has also been a member of the Arology club, a runner on the Cross Country Club and an International Orientation Leader.

“Volunteering is important to me because it is the chance to help others and get involved on-campus and in the community,” Shelby says. “Sometimes it can be difficult to manage everything, like school, sports, volunteering, etc., but the feeling of accomplishing something good is worth it. Not to mention it is a great way to spend time and bring positive energy into your life.”

In addition to her volunteer activities, Shelby travelled to China in 2012 where she taught English as and Additional Language for four months at the Fujian Agriculture and Forestry University (FAFU) in Fuzhou.

“My experience in China will always be memorable because it was my first time living away from home in another country,” Shelby explains. “The first couple of months were the hardest, but after that FAFU started to feel like home. Some of my friends and students have migrated to Nova Scotia to continue their studies so it is fairly easy to keep in touch.”

After her time in China, Shelby travelled to Norway. She spent a semester studying abroad at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU). During her time in Norway, Shelby continued to volunteer and stay involved, serving as the Secretary for the International Student Union.

“My experience in Norway was entirely different than China though both were equally life-changing,” Shelby says. “The international spirit on the NMBU campus was thrilling, and there were always inclusive events, like movie nights and international food festivals. There were also many opportunities for travel, and it was exciting to see more of scenic Norway and its famous fjords while I was there.”

Through her unique experiences, Shelby has learned many valuable skills.

“My experiences both volunteering and abroad have taught me many valuable lessons,” she says. “I’ve improved on my leadership and communication skills, both valuable skills that can transfer to many different situations. I’ve also improved on my use of maps and gained greater sense of direction!”

With her improved skills, Shelby plans to continue her education after graduation in December. She wants to continue in an international related field, focusing on agribusiness, global trade, and development.

“As students, we are often asked what are plans are for the future,” Shelby says. “Though this question was especially difficult to answer at the beginning of my degree, my four years here at the Agricultural Campus have really helped shape my knowledge of the industry and provided me with international opportunities which can help with personal development.”  

It was those international opportunities that Shelby seized that allowed her personal development to flourish. Looking back four years ago, Shelby would have never guessed that this was where she would be today. She was simply following her heart, which led her all around the world.