USask College of Education student wins first-year tuition prize

Cornelius was selected from nearly 400 students as the tuition draw winner after accepting admission and registering for classes early.

Originally born in Edmonton, Cornelius moved to Saskatoon with her mother when she was just over a year old. She completed her K-12 education through the French immersion program in the Greater Saskatoon Catholic Schools.

As a member of the Girl Guides of Canada for more than a decade, Cornelius developed valuable life skills and formed lifelong friendships. In 2023, she travelled to England, France, Switzerland and Italy for two weeks. This past summer, she spent 10 days in Costa Rica with her group. Her time with the Girl Guides helped her learn more about herself and others, and she hopes to return as a leader to help more young girls have similar experiences.

Cornelius has volunteered at the Saskatoon Early Childhood Education Demonstration Centre, gaining experience through observation and discussion while working with children ranging from infancy to preschool. Her role includes playing with the children, helping resolve conflicts and teaching them about inclusivity. She demonstrates strong listening and problem-solving skills.

Outside of school and volunteering, Cornelius enjoys playing board games and cards with family, traveling, reading, doing jigsaw puzzles and spending quality time with friends.

I forgot I had entered the contest, so when they said there was a prize at the end of orientation, I thought it was going to be a backpack or something simple. Then they put my name on the screen and I got really excited. But also wondered if I had to go to the front. Because I didn’t want to be in front of everyone.

I tried to call my mom and my boyfriend, but no one responded. I got a hold of my grandma, but she didn't say much. I think she probably thought I was pulling her leg.

I told my mom a couple of hours later in person. So literally only one person knew for a solid two hours. I showed my mom the paper and told her I had won because I had registered for classes early.

I'm bilingual, so my first teaching area is French, and Social Sciences / Social Studies is my second teaching area. I would like to help students learn and give them the chance to better understand the language. I would love to teach Grade 8 because I want to help kids understand that it’s a huge transitioning year before high school. You are the role models of elementary school, but you're also still a little fish in the big sea. I want to better prepare them for high school so they know what to expect.

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.