Oak Bay Student Wins World Citizenship Scholarship
About the scholarship
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Ruby Tang is the winner of a $1,000 World Citizenship Scholarship, newly created by the Bahá’í Faith community in Oak Bay. The scholarship was created to encourage students to “Let your vision be world-embracing” and to work towards harmony between people of all races, cultures and nationalities. “The world has become increasingly interconnected, and the solutions to the problems humanity faces require greater international cooperation,“ said spokesperson Nancy Watters. “We want to encourage students to think globally.” All grade 12 students at Oak Bay High School were eligible. Twelve students applied.
The selection committee unanimously agreed that Ruby truly exemplifies the theme of this award. She received the scholarship at a reception held for her and her family on June 23rd. Ruby said, “It is not only my hope, but my responsibility as a global citizen to do all that I can to contribute to the betterment of humanity.” She already has an incredible track record of doing just that.
While maintaining an ‘Honours with Distinction’ academic record, Ruby was President of Rotary’s Interact Club, Co-president of Youth Amnesty International, Co-founder of Victoria Youth Matters, Environmental Club member, a research assistant at Royal BC Museum, a Peer Tutor and Peer Counsellor, member of Youth Combating Intolerance Club, fundraiser for Cops for Cancer, Model UN participant and dozens of other volunteer pursuits. Her volunteerism garnered her many awards, including Most Involved in the Community Award 2015, and Difference Maker Award 2015. “Long fascinated with world cultures,” Ruby’s global endeavors have included fundraising for a girl’s school in Malawi, coordinating student service trips to Guatemala, and fundraising for Philippines Typhoon Relief. Her peers stated, “She is the best student leader they have been privileged to assist.”
Ruby completed her Royal Conservatory Grade 10 with first class honours, and currently studies Piano Performance. She says, “I plan on teaching music as a volunteer in developing nations because music is a foundation for healing.”
One of her references, an executive leadership coach, stated that Ruby has “an exceptionally broad and mature view of the world.” Allen York of Oak Bay High School says, “I have worked as a youth counsellor for just over forty eight years and rank her in the top ten students I have ever known.”
Ruby’s global awareness began at the age of 7, when she traveled to her parents’ hometown in Southern China. “I was moved by the poverty, simplicity and happiness of the inhabitants”. Ten years later she returned for one day, a day that was a turning point in motivating her to “dedicate my life toward helping and uniting humanity.” That day she simply sat with a few children and informally helped them practice English. She was overjoyed by their love for learning, and saw how education can help millions reach their full potential. In her application letter she wrote, “It saddens me and frustrates me that many of our world’s people are born into lives of poverty, conflict, environmental catastrophe, among other injustices. However, after each trip, I come home feeling more hopeful because I repeatedly see …interconnectedness. We can move toward solutions.”
Ruby has been accepted at University of Toronto, where she will undertake a double major in International Relations and Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies. She aspires to serve as an ambassador to the UN and “contribute to a more peaceful, equitable, and united world.”
Congratulations Ruby!
The selection committee unanimously agreed that Ruby truly exemplifies the theme of this award. She received the scholarship at a reception held for her and her family on June 23rd. Ruby said, “It is not only my hope, but my responsibility as a global citizen to do all that I can to contribute to the betterment of humanity.” She already has an incredible track record of doing just that.
While maintaining an ‘Honours with Distinction’ academic record, Ruby was President of Rotary’s Interact Club, Co-president of Youth Amnesty International, Co-founder of Victoria Youth Matters, Environmental Club member, a research assistant at Royal BC Museum, a Peer Tutor and Peer Counsellor, member of Youth Combating Intolerance Club, fundraiser for Cops for Cancer, Model UN participant and dozens of other volunteer pursuits. Her volunteerism garnered her many awards, including Most Involved in the Community Award 2015, and Difference Maker Award 2015. “Long fascinated with world cultures,” Ruby’s global endeavors have included fundraising for a girl’s school in Malawi, coordinating student service trips to Guatemala, and fundraising for Philippines Typhoon Relief. Her peers stated, “She is the best student leader they have been privileged to assist.”
Ruby completed her Royal Conservatory Grade 10 with first class honours, and currently studies Piano Performance. She says, “I plan on teaching music as a volunteer in developing nations because music is a foundation for healing.”
One of her references, an executive leadership coach, stated that Ruby has “an exceptionally broad and mature view of the world.” Allen York of Oak Bay High School says, “I have worked as a youth counsellor for just over forty eight years and rank her in the top ten students I have ever known.”
Ruby’s global awareness began at the age of 7, when she traveled to her parents’ hometown in Southern China. “I was moved by the poverty, simplicity and happiness of the inhabitants”. Ten years later she returned for one day, a day that was a turning point in motivating her to “dedicate my life toward helping and uniting humanity.” That day she simply sat with a few children and informally helped them practice English. She was overjoyed by their love for learning, and saw how education can help millions reach their full potential. In her application letter she wrote, “It saddens me and frustrates me that many of our world’s people are born into lives of poverty, conflict, environmental catastrophe, among other injustices. However, after each trip, I come home feeling more hopeful because I repeatedly see …interconnectedness. We can move toward solutions.”
Ruby has been accepted at University of Toronto, where she will undertake a double major in International Relations and Peace, Conflict and Justice Studies. She aspires to serve as an ambassador to the UN and “contribute to a more peaceful, equitable, and united world.”
Congratulations Ruby!