Double impact: sibling scholars
Author: Development and Donor Relations
Posted on Dec 21, 2023
Category: Scholarships and Bursaries
Sisters Camilla and Dominique Drost have always been close. Since coming to UNB, they have found themselves part of a new extended family: the community of current and former Beaverbrook Scholars.
Camilla is a fourth-year student in the bachelor of science in engineering (chemical) program, with specializations in nuclear power and energy conversion. In addition, she is concurrently earning a diploma in technology management and entrepreneurship. Dominique is in the second year of the bachelor of science in kinesiology program. Camilla is a recipient of the Lord Beaverbrook Scholarship and Dominique is a recipient of the Beaverbrook Scholars Award.
Both sisters are active members of the Beaverbrook community, which has had a profound impact on their UNB experience. The financial support has enabled them to focus on their studies and dedicate themselves to extracurricular activities that give back. They emphasized the importance of the mentorship and support they have received. “It’s a privilege to study what you’re passionate about, while also having time and resources to pursue other passions and interests,” Dominique said.
Despite a heavy course load of six to eight classes per semester, both sisters are very actively involved in university life. Among Dominique’s many extracurricular and volunteer commitments are the Cardiometabolic Exercise & Lifestyle Laboratory (CELLAB), and an occupational therapy program for youth. “This has been a really eye-opening and beautiful experience,” she said. “It’s a really welcoming community, centred around empowering and building up kids.” Along with other campus committees, Dominique is vice-president communications for the Atlantic Engineering Competition (AEC), where Camilla also volunteers as a competition director.
Camilla is currently vice-president external of the UNB Engineering Undergraduate Society (EUS), which represents over 1,200 engineering students. She was recently elected the society’s Atlantic Ambassador, representing all Atlantic universities at the national level with the Canadian Federation of Engineering Students (CFES). Among other commitments, she volunteers with the UNB Menstrual Health Society, which works to reduce period poverty on the UNB Fredericton campus.
Looking forward, Camilla hopes to pursue her professional engineering designation. “This is incredibly important to me as a woman in engineering,” she said. Dominique’s interests are varied at this point in her degree, but she is especially excited by rehabilitative therapy for individuals suffering from complex neurological conditions.
“The Beaverbrook community is welcoming, supportive, and inspiring,” said Dominique. “There are so many kind, driven, intelligent people in it! Being a part of the community has empowered me to get involved and make a difference.” Camilla agreed. “My sister and I are taking very different paths through school, but I am incredibly grateful that I get to experience such a major part of my university journey with her as Beaverbrook scholarship recipients.”