My CBU Story: Meet Alyssa Burke
It wasn鈥檛 one thing that brought Alyssa Burke to Cape Breton University, but rather a series of connections, experiences and values that made it the right fit. As she prepares to graduate with a Bachelor of Science, Honours in Chemistry and a minor in Biology, Alyssa looks back at her time at CBU that made it feel like home.
Alyssa is no stranger to the halls of CBU. From a young age, she spent time there. Her stepmom, Sara Burke, works in the development office, her father taught courses as a sessional instructor, and her brother is a proud alumnus of the business program. 鈥淚鈥檝e always loved living in Cape Breton and wanted to stay close to home, especially knowing I might move away for further education,鈥� shares Alyssa.
In her final year of high school during the challenges of COVID-19, Alyssa worked as a CBU Brand Ambassador, which solidified her decision. 鈥淭he role gave me early insight into the university and made me feel part of the 福利免费在线看 even before my first semester,鈥� Alyssa says.
Alyssa has enjoyed studying chemistry in depth while exploring a mix of science and non-science electives. 鈥淚 never thought I would learn the language of Mi鈥檏maq,鈥� she says. 鈥淚 am grateful to have taken the class. I learned so much more than the Mi鈥檏maw language, also about the culture.鈥� Beyond the classroom, Alyssa made the most of every opportunity on campus, from working in Human Resources as a student employee to conducting research and tutoring.
Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, Dean of the School of Science and Technology and Associate Professor of Chemistry, made a lasting impact on Alyssa. 鈥淪he made a difficult subject like organic chemistry not only approachable but enjoyable,鈥� says Alyssa. She worked in Dr. MacQuarrie鈥檚 research lab for two summers, learning about research, equity, diversity, inclusion and how to present her work confidently. 鈥淪tephanie has been a role model and source of guidance throughout my degree. I鈥檓 forever grateful for the connection we鈥檝e built,鈥� she adds.
Looking ahead, Alyssa鈥檚 year will be a busy one, balancing work, coaching hockey, taking a microbiology course and hoping to travel more. Alyssa will spend this summer working with Island WISE, a program that brings STEM activities to girls and young women across Cape Breton Island. She鈥檚 also preparing for the MCAT and plans to apply to the Cape Breton Medical Campus to someday realize her dream of becoming a doctor.
As exciting as the future is, Alyssa says she will miss her time at CBU, especially playing on the CBU Women鈥檚 Hockey team. 鈥淚鈥檝e got to extend my competitive hockey years beyond youth play and build lasting friendships along the way,鈥� she shares.
Alyssa will miss the feeling of being an undergraduate student, a time filled with growth, learning and self-discovery. Yet, even as she prepares to step into the next chapter of her life, she knows CBU has prepared her well. 鈥淐BU has given me the tools to succeed in both further academic pursuits and a career in the scientific field,鈥� she says. 鈥淢ore importantly, it鈥檚 shown me that with hard work and determination, I鈥檓 capable of achieving anything I set my mind to.鈥�
Throughout her degree, Alyssa鈥檚 parents have been her greatest support system. 鈥淭heir unwavering encouragement, guidance and belief in me have pushed me to be the best version of myself,鈥� she shares. 鈥淚 truly wouldn鈥檛 be where I am today without them, and there are no words that can fully express how grateful I am for everything they鈥檝e done.鈥�
For anyone thinking about coming to CBU, Alyssa has some encouraging advice. 鈥淎s much as people go on about the benefits of having smaller class sizes, they truly live up to their status,鈥� she shares. 鈥淵ou can learn a lot and build meaningful connections with your professors, instructors and fellow students that lead to many opportunities.鈥�
As Alyssa prepares to deliver her speech as one of the valedictorians for CBU鈥檚 largest graduating class to date, she is humbled by the honour. 鈥淭his university has been such a meaningful part of my journey, and I鈥檓 deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped who I am today,鈥� she says.
Alyssa sends this message to her fellow grads. 鈥淲e did it! Despite many disrupted semesters by Mother Nature and a pandemic, we鈥檝e made it,鈥� she says. 鈥淚f we can accomplish our studies while navigating all of that, there鈥檚 truly nothing we can鈥檛 overcome.鈥�
Congratulations to Alyssa and the entire graduating class of Spring 2025!