Finding strength through support at NSCC
NSCC Foundation's Seasons of Giving: Food for All Fall Campaign
Choosing a new path
Treysyn Pelley grew up in Halifax, thinking college wasn’t an option for him. Today, he’s studying Social Services at NSCC’s Strait Area Campus, with plans to further his education to provide the support that’s helping him pursue his dreams. He initially planned to enlist in the military, but one night he was going to apply to NSCC’s Carpentry program, only to follow his heart by enrolling in Social Services. “At first, I never thought I could be in college,” he says. “I thought the military was my only route because of family ties. Reflecting now, I’m so grateful I went for Social Services.”
Treysyn chose his program because of his passion for helping others and his own experiences with social services. “Everything kind of just led to me applying,” he says. “It was pretty cool when I thought about all the things that brought me here.”
When reflecting on his favourite experience so far, he says, “honestly, the activities in my courses and the hands-on learning are my best experiences. Along with the community NSCC fosters on-campus.”
Facing food insecurity
Treysyn’s first year at NSCC came with challenges. Living in student housing without a job, covering personal bills and affording groceries became difficult. “I was experiencing food insecurity, relying solely on the food bank,” he says. “I wasn’t eating properly or getting proper nutrition. It was mainly cheap meals.”
During this time, Treysyn discovered and applied for the Indigenous Cost of Living Bursary. “It supported me in ways I never thought a bursary could,” he says. “I bought some cheap but healthier groceries and didn’t have to go to the food bank, and I paid some of my bills with it too! It provided so much relief... I was on cloud nine.”
He also received other student awards and accessed other supports through NSCC, such as Urgent Aid, which helped him stay connected to family and focus on his studies. “The amount of pride I felt getting back on track, even if it didn’t fully get me there — it was a start, and it made the world of difference.”
Why your support matters
For Treysyn, donor support is life-changing. “For some people, this is the deciding factor on whether they continue their studies,” he says. “It is such a relief to receive it, any amount of support can change someone’s whole experience.” Now in his second year, Treysyn is excited to continue his education, with hopes to attend university and pursue a career in helping at-risk youth and teens.
Through NSCC Foundation’s Seasons of Giving: Food for All Fall Campaign, donors can help students like Treysyn access healthy meals and essential student food security supports by donating to NSCC’s Rapid Response Fund. Join us this Season of Giving to help reach our goal of raising $10,000 for Rapid Response and have your donation doubled between now and Giving Tuesday on December 2, thanks to the J & W Murphy Foundation’s generous donation match.
“Thank you for your donations,” Treysyn says. “Every donation shows a kind-hearted person who wants to help others — and those are the hearts we need.”
Become a Food for All Fall Ambassador
The J & W Murphy Foundation is generously matching gifts to NSCC's Rapid Response or food security initiatives up to $10,000.
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