A Heartwarming Night: Bright Futures Education Fund Celebration 2025

Last night, we gathered for a very special evening — one that reminded us exactly why the Bright Futures Education Fund (BFEF) exists.

Enjoying light bites, warm conversations, and meaningful connections, recipients, donors, committee members, and supporters came together to celebrate not just academic milestones, but the personal journeys that led each student here.

Celebrating Graduates

This year, we had the honour of recognizing three graduates who completed their programs and are stepping into exciting new chapters. Two of our graduates, Wendlyn and Weronika, generously shared their stories with the room — offering an honest, heartfelt look at the challenges and victories of post-secondary life.

Wendlyn, who just graduated from UBC’s Nursing program, spoke about the unexpected hurdles of her first year — from the heavy course load to the fear of falling behind. By reaching out for support and allowing herself to adjust her path, she discovered that success isn’t always about perfection — it’s about resilience, flexibility, and leaning on your support system when you need it most. As Wendlyn shared:

“The committee is not there to punish you. They’re there to help you succeed. They don’t expect you to have the highest grades or the most awards. They understand that success looks different for everyone.”

Weronika, also a nursing graduate, offered advice for students who might be navigating the sometimes-intimidating social side of post-secondary. Starting her studies during the pandemic, she faced the challenge of making connections in an online world. Through intention, small conversations, study groups, and simply putting herself out there, she found her people. As she reminded us all:

“It’s not like high school — you have to put in the effort to build connections and once you do, the friendships you make can last a lifetime. So embrace the challenges and all the new people you’ll meet.”

The Power of Community

Throughout the evening, what stood out most was the spirit of community. Donors and committee members had the chance to meet recipients face-to-face and hear firsthand how their support is making a difference. For many, it was a powerful reminder that beyond financial assistance, the Bright Futures Education Fund is about creating a network of care, encouragement, and opportunity

Looking Ahead

As we closed out the evening, one thing was clear: every student’s path is unique — filled with challenges, growth, and countless small victories. And thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our committee, more young people are being given the chance to pursue their dreams with confidence.

Thank you to everyone who made this year’s celebration so special. We can’t wait to see what bright futures lie ahead!