Renathur Noel - PETNA Scholarship Recipient

Corie Bain
Mar 5
2 min read

Start Year

2020

Expected Graduation Date

2024

Degree

Bachelors of Science

Programme

Honors Mathematics and Statistics

Intended career path

Data Analyst

Experience at McMaster

I began my journey at McMaster University in 2020, right at the height of the pandemic. As a result, my university experience started online, which was a completely new and challenging experience. Adapting to virtual learning required a great deal of discipline and self-motivation, as I had to navigate coursework, communicate with professors, and collaborate with classmates in a remote setting. Just as I was adjusting to this new academic environment, another major change came at the beginning of my second year when I moved to Canada. Transitioning from online learning to in-person classes while simultaneously adapting to life in a new country was both exciting and overwhelming. I had to quickly adjust to a different educational system, and an entirely new environment. I joined the Math and Stats Society, which allowed me to form valuable connections with peers who shared similar academic interests. Additionally, I became a member of the Adventist Christian Fellowship, where I served as the Social Media Coordinator. In this role, I created content highlighting club activities and analyzed social media metrics to assess engagement and improve outreach efforts. My time at McMaster has truly shaped me, pushing me to grow both academically and personally. The challenges I faced taught me resilience, adaptability, and the importance of building a strong support system. Looking back, my university journey has been life-changing, providing me with the knowledge, skills, and experiences that will continue to guide me in my future endeavors.

The importance of the financial support you received from The PETNA Foundation

I am incredibly grateful to the PETNA Foundation for the financial support I received through the Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Scholarship Award, as I would not have been able to attend university without it. Growing up in a single-parent household with three siblings, my mother was the sole provider, and the financial burden of higher education was beyond our reach. However, my love for Mathematics began in high school, and I was determined to further my studies in the field. When I discovered the Nicholas and Janice Brathwaite Scholarship Award through social media, I saw it as the opportunity I needed and applied. Receiving this full scholarship was life-changing—it allowed me to focus entirely on my academics without the stress of financial constraints. Beyond financial assistance, The PETNA Foundation remained actively involved throughout my journey, offering support, encouragement, and motivation that helped me succeed. I am deeply appreciative of their investment in my future, and I look forward to using my education to make a meaningful impact.