Langara College Nursing student Layla Ayyash says the Beedie Luminaries scholarship eased financial pressure and gave her access to mentorship and community. That support has helped her focus on school and feel more confident about her future in nursing.
Donor support is helping Langara students stay in school, succeed, and give back to their communities. For Nursing student Layla Ayyash, that support changed everything. When Layla chose nursing, the decision came from what she had seen early in life. Born in Syria and raised in Canada, Layla says her view of healthcare was shaped by the impact of war on her home country and by the people who kept showing up to help. “Growing up, my home country was deeply affected by war, and I witnessed firsthand the vital role healthcare professionals play during times of crisis,” she says. “Their compassion, resilience, and ability to provide care under such challenging conditions left a lasting impression on me.”
Now in Term 5 and recipient of a Beedie Luminaries scholarship, Layla’s path to nursing has been shaped not only by ambition but by the removal of barriers that once made post-secondary education feel out of reach.
Before receiving the award, post-secondary education came with real pressure. Layla says she was raised by her single mother, who worked hard to support the family, and that paying for school often felt uncertain. “Balancing my studies, responsibilities at home, and financial pressures was often difficult, and there were times when I worried about how I would continue my education,” she says.
Being selected for Beedie Luminaries gave her relief, but it also meant something more personal. “It felt like recognition of my story, my challenges, and my determination to succeed,” she says. “It gave me a sense of validation and reassurance that my goals are achievable despite the obstacles I have faced.”
Beedie Luminaries is a B.C. scholarship program that provides promising students facing financial adversity with up to $44,000 over four years as well as mentorship, student-success advising, and peer networks. “Beedie Luminaries offers more than financial support – it offers empowerment, mentorship, and belonging,” says Martina Meckova, Vice President, Beedie Philanthropies.
“The award has significantly reduced my financial stress, allowing me to focus more on my studies and fully engage in my nursing program,” she says. “Instead of constantly worrying about expenses, I can dedicate more time and energy to learning and developing my skills as a future nurse.”
This kind of support doesn’t just ease financial pressure. It helps students persist, graduate, and step into careers where they give back.
The scholarship also makes a difference beyond the financial award. Access to mentorship and peer support give Layla more confidence and a stronger sense of connection as she moved through the demands of nursing school. “Being part of a supportive community and having access to mentorship and resources has helped me feel more confident and connected,” she says. “It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone.”
With the scholarship lightening the financial load and a supportive network bolstering her confidence, Layla can envision a future in nursing that includes leadership and community outreach. “This support has expanded what I believe is possible for my future,” she says. “I now feel more confident in setting higher goals for myself, both academically and professionally.”
Layla’s path to this point has not been simple. Layla says one of the biggest challenges was adapting to a new country and a new education system while managing financial strain at home. At times, it felt overwhelming. It also strengthened her resolve.
Those experiences now shape how she hopes to practice: “I hope to give back by providing compassionate, culturally sensitive care to individuals from diverse backgrounds – especially those who have experienced hardship or displacement,” she says. “I want to be the kind of nurse who not only treats patients but also supports them emotionally and advocates for their needs.”
At Langara, support like this can make a real difference. Last year, 36 Langara students benefited from Beedie Luminaries scholarships, gaining not only financial support but also access to mentorship, advising, and a strong community that supports long-term success. For Layla, it created more room for focus, confidence, and a clearer sense of what comes next.
Her experience shows how the right support at the right time can change a student’s path and what they believe is possible.
Beedie Luminaries is a unique scholarship program that provides support for students to access post-secondary education, graduate, and start careers.
Their SHINE, RISE, and SPARK Scholarships offer up to $44,000 for high school graduates, newcomers, and single parents pursuing post-secondary in British Columbia.
Their BUILD Program offers up to $20,000 for trades students working toward their Red Seal Certification in or one of the following trades: carpentry, electrical (construction), plumbing, welding, sheet metal.
Beyond financial support, Beedie scholars gain access to mentorship, career development, and a growing network of over 1,000 inspiring change-makers across the province.
