Allison Large

What education have you taken?

I am currently in my third year of a four year bachelors of business with a minor in history.

What are your accomplishments?

Many of my accomplishments are centered around my exceptional academic performance.  I have done very well in school, well enough that I was admitted into the Golden Key Honour Society.  My academic performance has also been a factor in many of the scholarships I have won to help fund my education.  I was also offered a position as a peer tutor for one of my Geology classes because of how well I did in that class. It was a position I gladly accepted as I want to help others do as well in school as I have.

I also have a very professional job (I work as an auto broker for Guild Insurance) for someone my age.  Working at Guild has also given me the opportunity to pursue my level 1 CAIB (Canadian Accredited Insurance Broker Program), which I did very well on.

In addition, I spend time volunteering with several organizations. One of these organizations is Enactus Brandon (previously SIFE Brandon). Within Enactus I am a project manager for a program called WISE which helps teach new immigrants about Canada’s financial system.  Recently, I worked to develop an insurance presentation for WISE. I also am a Children’s worship leader for the Sunday School Program at Calvary Temple. I am very proud of the work I do, as I have been very blessed throughout my life and I want to give back to my community.

Tell us about yourself

I am 20 years old and I have lived in Brandon, Manitoba for most of my life. Before attending Brandon University I went to Vincent Massey High School. I have always had a passion for music. Throughout my teen years I was actively involved in numerous choirs including the Brandon Conservatory Chorale, the Vincent Massey Choir, and the Westman Youth Choir. Today, I still continue to do voice lessons with Doris Mayoh. I also have a bit of a travel bug and I have been blessed to have travelled often.  Among other places, I have been to Italy and China.   When I am not at work or school I spend a lot of my free time at the gym or engrossed in a good book.

When did I become interested in your field of study?

Since I was quite young I have wanted to be a lawyer. In order to get into law school a three or four year degree is preferred, although they don’t recommend a specific discipline. When I was choosing my field of study I wanted something I could do well in, that would also be practical. I settled on taking business because I had excelled in my business courses in high school. I also thought that if I decided I didn’t like law, getting an MBA would be a good back up plan.  I chose my history minor because of several really great high school teachers who showed me just how enjoyable the subject of history can be.

What is your philosophy in life?

If you are willing to put in the time and effort, there is nothing that you can’t achieve.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

Over the next five years I intend to graduate from Brandon University and then head to law school. No matter where I live, however, I see myself being actively involved in my community. I also intend to travel whenever I can.

Nominator’s Comments

Allison Large is an outstanding student in terms of her marks and her emotional intelligences – she is always able to figure out  the most difficult problem that requires critical thinking. She is also a humble person and respectful towards her Professors and other students. She achieved one of the highest marks on the LSAT exams in the country, achieving at the 94th percentile. Allison has excellent presentation and leadership skills. As well she posseses verbal and writing skills far beyond the undergraduate level.

Allison is one of the most motivated, hard working students I have ever met in my teaching career – the strongest student I have met during my four years at BU. She will be a brilliant lawyer and leader within Canadian society in the future.