An education student has been recognized as a 3M National Student Fellow.

One of only 10 recipients across Canada, Heather Carroll is the first female from Atlantic Canada to receive this fellowship.

"I am honoured and humbled to be named a fellow, but it is truly a reflection of the people and groups who have encouraged, challenged and inspired me,” said Ms. Carroll, who is completing the fourth year of her bachelor of primary/elementary education (integrated French immersion) degree. “I've received incredible support from various on-campus groups, such as the Student Innovation Fund and the Volunteer Bureau, but namely the Academic Advising Centre who really values students' contributions and voices."

The 3M National Student Fellowship recognizes 10 full-time undergraduate students across Canada who demonstrate leadership in their program. Ms. Carroll is passionate about teaching both locally and globally. She spent time as a volunteer teacher at a school in Fiji and an orphanage and school in Cambodia.

“My time in Fiji and Cambodia allowed me to understand that education is empowerment, and empowerment is a privilege that children in the developing world do not often have access to. Because the Faculty of Education is committed to improving the human condition through education, I am trying to incorporate an international development component to the B.Ed. program here at Memorial."

One of Ms. Carroll’s nominators, Jennifer White, co-ordinator of Student Relationship Programs at the Academic Advising Centre (AAC), met Ms. Carroll when she became a peer advisor with the Establishing Student Relationships Program within the AAC.

"Heather has the drive, determination and desire to improve the services provided to students," said Ms. White. "I am confident that she will embrace this opportunity with the same energy and enthusiasm as she has demonstrated in her role within our office.”

3M Canada and the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) will honour the 10 fellows at an awards ceremony on June 18. The fellows will also attend the 33rd Annual STLHE Conference at Queen’s University to discuss the theme, Transforming our Learning Experiences, and participate in the 3M National Student Fellowship Program retreat.