Karlie Verwey

Give a brief bio about yourself/your background/your history.

I grew up in rural Manitoba on the outskirts of Portage La Prairie. My family owns a third-generation grain, beef and dairy farm. I grew up milking cows before and after school until I moved to Brandon for University. I still try to help on the farm when I am able. Growing up on the farm meant that I was constantly surrounded and working alongside my family. Along with learning the importance of agriculture, I also believe this is how I learnt the importance of hard work and I have applied this to all areas of my life.

In my younger years I was in our community’s 4-H beef program, along with raising a steer I did various volunteering such as highway cleanup and fundraising barbecues. I have always had a deep desire to help others and after two years of feeling helpless during the pandemic I jumped at the chance to be involved again. On campus I joined Biology Club and Student Leadership. With Student Leadership I give campus tours, train others, as well as help with various other events. I also was honoured to be the student presenter at recruitment night, I shared my experiences on campus and answered any questions the attendees had. I also participate in a program called Swimmmingly, which aims to provide a safe and enjoyable space for children with disabilities at the community pool. I also recently began volunteering with Blood Services Canada where I am responsible for helping to monitor donors. In my free time I enjoy hanging out with my friends, family, sewing, running and caring for my jungle of houseplants.

What education have you taken?

I received my high school diploma from Portage Collegiate Institute in 2020. I am currently enrolled in my third year of my Bachelor of Sciences at Brandon University, majoring in biology and minoring in psychology.

How did you become interested in your field/area of study?

I have always wanted to be in a career that helps others. After I took a special interest in biology in high school, I knew that for me the best way to help others would be in the medical field. Having personal connections, I set my sights on optometry. I have worked for two summers at an optometrist office in my hometown where I got to form connections with working doctors and get experience in my field of interest.

What accomplishments are you most proud of?

I am proud of the work I have done with my volunteering; I believe that I have made an impact in the lives of the individuals I’ve worked with. I know that an important part of what I do in the future will be towards giving back to my community and making a difference where I can. In January 2022 I participated in a 24/7 walk challenge with my family members. We fundraised money for Central Plains Cancer Services, specifically a program to drive cancer patients to Winnipeg for their treatments. We successfully raised $6 000. This year (2023) we took the challenge city wide and partnered with a local gym. I personally registered my own team in the event, composed up of university friends. With over 40 teams signed up, more than $34 000 was successfully raised. This year the money went to a program to help children with cancer in the Central Plains area.

I am also honoured to be nominated for this award; I wouldn’t be who I am today if I wasn’t surrounded by the amazing people in my life. They are who I learned my most admirable qualities and they continue to inspire me to grow more every day.

Where do you see yourself in the future? What do you hope to undertake or accomplish once you leave BU?

After graduation from Brandon University, I hope to be accepted into an optometry program.

What is your philosophy in life?

The more you celebrate your life the more there is to celebrate: I am a very goal orientated individual and instituting this philosophy in my life has allowed me to recognize my achievements. This has helped me be more compassionate with myself and be able to strive for goals I previously thought were unattainable.

In one sentence, how will you #EmbraceEquity?

I will #EmbraceEquity by advocating inclusivity and speaking up when I come across discrimination.

Nominator’s Comments:

Karlie signed up to be a Student Leader this year, and has done an absolutely wonderful job of participating in the program and helping new students to feel at home on campus. Her positive attitude not only helps new students to feel at ease, but also makes them excited to start their journey at Brandon University. Not only has Karlie been an amazing Student Leader, but she has also recruited more students to join the program and helped to train them. We feel so fortunate to have Karlie volunteer with us and to make such a huge difference on campus!