Three students reflect on life-changing impact of the Shuffle

Anabelle Caso, BA 20, recipient of a 2020 Concordia University Adopt-A-Student Graduate Award

Having just completed her BA in the linguistics honours program at Concordia, Anabelle Caso is immensely grateful to be a recipient of a Shuffle-funded graduate award.

“Without the generosity and commitment of everyone who donates and participates in the Shuffle, this award would not be possible. This award will make an enormous difference in my ability to attend and enjoy the upcoming semester as I enter my graduate studies, allowing me to focus on and succeed in my program,” says Caso.

The cost of higher education can be a barrier for many students and financial assistance is one of the few ways students can bridge that barrier.

“The Shuffle effectively facilitates a student’s ability to remain in school and succeed by alleviating the financial burden of tuition — this is amazing and the Shuffle is therefore a crucial and life-altering project,” says Caso.

Bianca Mckenzie-Medford, BPO Shuffle team member

After receiving a Shuffle-funded Black Perspectives Office (BPO) award last year, Bianca Mckenzie-Medford, currently completing a BA in history, was inspired to get involved as a fundraiser. She joined BPO’s Shuffle 32 team and is currently one of the team’s ambassadors.

“Being an award recipient, I understand the impact one student can have on another. As a visible minority, I know there is not much funding available directly geared to us. I thought it was crucial for me to give back and pay it forward, to ensure that others could benefit from the same scholarship and have the BPO positively influence their lives,” says Mckenzie-Medford.

Camina Harrison-Chéry, CSU Shuffle team member

Communications student Camina Harrison-Chéry is the BIPOC committee chair and external affairs and mobilisation coordinator for the Concordia Student Union (CSU). This year, she is leading the CSU Shuffle team that joined forces with CU at the Top to raise funds for the Otsenhàkta Student Centre — a critical hub where Indigenous students can find support, resources and community. 

“As a student union, the CSU’s mandate is to advocate for and support our students. To achieve this, we must empower and invest in the lives of students who disproportionately face barriers to completing their studies. The Shuffle is one of our many commitments this year to support Indigenous students to excel and flourish at Concordia. We can't think of a better way to support our Indigenous students than directly through a fund that is administered by and for Indigenous peoples."

Participating in the Shuffle as a student can enrich their university experience while supporting fellow students who might not have the same opportunities as themselves.

“A huge aspect of participating in the Shuffle as a student is being part of something bigger than yourself. One the most impactful and meaningful experiences students can have is getting involved in projects outside the classroom. Getting involved in this fundraiser is a great way for students to meet other likeminded individuals, make connections and contribute to the well-being of other students,” says Harrison-Chéry.