This year marks the 10th anniversary of the
AbbVie IBD Scholarship Program, and we are celebrating the milestone year by doubling the number of available scholarships, which means 20 amazing post-secondary students will receive a $5,000 scholarship for the upcoming fall 2021 semester.
Ahead of the 2021 AbbVie IBD Scholarship deadline, we reconnected with recipients from the past nine years. Read on to see what an extraordinary 2018 scholarship recipient has to say about why they applied and tips for academic success!
Meet Navjit Moore.
Navjit is a member of the seventh class of inspiring and ambitious AbbVie IBD Scholarship recipients with a passion for giving back to their community. She received the scholarship in 2018 while completing a four-year Entry-to-Practice Doctor of Pharmacy degree at the University of British Columbia. Raised in beautiful British Columbia, the west coast scholar inspires those not only facing IBD, but everyone around her as she communicates that with knowledge and perseverance, you can overcome adversity and pursue your passion in life. Ranking in the top 10% of her class, Navjit is in the midst of completing a practicum as she finishes the final year of the competitive program that equips its graduates for careers in pharmacy practice, research, and teaching. Outside of her studies, you can find Navjit volunteering for Gutsy Walk, leading the Fraser Valley East Chapter, and most recently training volunteers at Burnaby General Hospital and helping to screen patients and visitors for COVID symptoms.
Here’s what Navjit had to share:
What have you done or are currently doing with the Crohn’s and colitis community?
“I began as a volunteer with the Abbotsford Gutsy Walk in 2015, and I have held several roles including logistics captain, registration captain, honorary chair, and now the chair of the 2021 virtual walk. I have also been the Chapter President of the Fraser Valley East Chapter since 2017, which encompasses several cities in the Fraser Valley region of British Columbia.”
How has receiving the AbbVie IBD Scholarship affected your journey?
“The scholarship not only helped financially, but it also showed me that there are people that care about students with IBD and recognize the challenges of going to school with IBD. Being awarded the AbbVie IBD scholarship further instilled confidence in me to continue to pursue my education in pharmacy and that I can achieve both academic and non-academic success.”
What advice do you have for students who are thinking of applying for the scholarship?
“Be honest about your story and do not be afraid to share the challenges you have faced and how you continue to overcome adversity on a daily basis. Be specific on how you achieve overall well-being: physical, mental, emotional, and social. Also, share your life goals, not just the academic ones.”
What are your tips for students living with IBD as they pursue higher education?
“Find a lifestyle balance that suits you and your needs. Don’t ever compare your life and health to anyone else's as we are all different and have diverse needs. And make sure you know your own limits, and don't be afraid to ask for help or take some time for yourself. Self care is just as important as your academic journey so prioritize it as well!”
If you are heading back to class for the fall 2021 semester, we encourage you to take the time to submit your application today for the chance to head back to class with a bit of extra cash! The deadline to apply is 11:59 pm ET on June 1st, 2021.
To learn more about the AbbVie IBD Scholarship and submit your application,
click here.
Do you have questions? Reach out to us at
info@ibdscholarship.ca.