Leann Murray

Leann Murray

What education have you taken?

I have a diploma in Hospitality and Tourism from Assiniboine Community College. I am in my third year of a four year biology degree in the biomedical stream.

What accomplishments are you proud of?

I volunteer with child and family services, the YMCA and Heart and Stroke Foundation. I was awarded a Volleyball Scholarship at ACC for obtaining acreditable GPA. I am a member of Rugby Manitoba and of Manitoba Amateur Bodybuilding Association. In 2009 I broke and now hold the female 5 km record for the YMCA spring run.

Tell me about yourself.

I am a mature student working on the education for my second career choice. I feel soblessed that I have the opportunity topursue my goals. There are so many people, especially females, that would never get the opportunity toobtain an education and I feel compelled to use my good fortune to help others. I am a single mother of a beautiful, brilliant funny four year old girl.I work at the hospitalas a dietary aidepart time during theschool year andfull time during the summer. Inmy spare time I enjoy reading.

How did you become interested in your field of study?

After finishing my diploma at ACC and working in the hospitality field I didn’t feel there was enough challenge or thatI was helping peopleina way thatI would like.I have always loved sciences and math, but didn’t know my capabilitiesout of high school. I care deeply for the welfare of others and would like to make a difference in the world. I love learningespecially about the human body and all things that affect it. I was really inspired about seven years ago when I read a magazine article about a doctor that worked with the UN in Africa that made differences in woman’s lives. Her compassion for less fortunate put all the pieces of the puzzle togetherand that’s when I knew how I wanted to spend my life.

What is your philosophy in life?

Prioritization and balance are so important. When you have your priorities straight and focus on the things that matter you have a sense of accomplishment even when in the middle of a long journey. It’s so important to take care of yourself – body, mind and spirit – because if you are not well in all these aspects youcan’t help others. Show respect toothers as well as yourself.Don’t judge and always try to see other perspectives. It is good to challenge yourself and set goals that are difficult but obtainable. Work hard and play harder. I try to practice my philosophies and alwaystry to work on bettering myself.

There are a few quotes that I love and sum up my philosophy on life. I can’t take credit for these ideas.

I have only adopted them from others who have opened my eyes and humbled me.

“Only a life lived for others is worth living.”
Albert Einstein

“You must be the change you wish to see in the world”
Mohandas Gandhi

“I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games. 26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.”

Michael Jordan.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I plan on going on to medical schooland becoming aPhysician. I ampretty certainI would like to specialize inpediatrics butI am not sure ifI will specializeright away or work in the field a while first. Iam throwing the idea around about joining theCanadian armed forcesas a physician because my objectives closely match theirs. I plan on working for Doctors without Borders andvolunteering both in my community and other places in the world where they needhelp.

Nominator’s commendation:

“Leann is a solid student and an example people can look up to. She is a single mother, pursuing her dream of becoming a doctor. Despite all the challenges and hardships she has faced, Leann has never considered dropping out of school, because she believes that single mothers can accomplish their dreams just like any other student. Being able to carry tasks such as being a full time mom, having a job, and being a full time science student is not an easy task what so ever.”