A scholarship is more than financial support—it opens doors, inspires confidence, and turns dreams into possibilities.

At the Canadian Chinese Medical Society (CCMS), we believe that investing in students is investing in the future of our community. Through our scholarship donations to UBC, we are proud to ease financial burdens, create opportunities, and encourage students to pursue their dreams.

We warmly invite you to read these heartfelt thank-you messages from students who have benefited from our community’s generosity. Their stories remind us of the lasting impact of giving and inspire us to continue supporting and empowering future generations.

“I came to UBCO a little uncertain, a long way from home, and hoping it would be worth it. Halfway through my second year, I was diagnosed with cancer and had six months of treatment. There was a point where I wasn’t sure I’d finish my degree. Coming back was not an obvious or easy decision, financially, physically, or emotionally. This award tells me someone looked at my story and decided I was worth investing in. You will never fully know what your generosity sets in motion, but it reached me at exactly the right moment. Thank you.” Samuell BMgt Year 4 Recipient of the Dave McAnerney Award in Management

“I am a 44-year-old student, born into a lower-class family, and you have helped change my life. I spent many years pursuing other people’s dreams for my life, then burning out and surrendering to the thought that I would be working minimum wage jobs until I retire—if I got to retire. Thanks to the encouragement of my closest friends, I dipped my toes in the waters of higher education and instantly fell in love with it. Thank you so much for believing in me, supporting me, and helping me change my destiny. I recognize the incredible privilege I have been given. Thank you so much.” Stephen BA Year 3 Recipient of the Jessie Ravnsborg Memorial Award

“I never really thought that I’d become a doctor. In fact, I was the first person in my family to go to university in Canada. Growing up, I got to see firsthand how poverty, language, and housing instability impacted me and my family’s ability to access healthcare, and that adversity is a big part of why I chose to become a physician. I want to work with communities that are overlooked by the healthcare system or face barriers in accessing care. This award has supported and validated my pursuit of medicine, and I hope that one day I can pay this forward and support a student with a big dream just like mine.” Anna MD Year 1 Recipient of the Dr. Lachlan Neil MacKechnie Memorial Entrance Scholarship

My name is Ji Won (Daniel) Yoo, and I am a second-year medical student at UBC. I was previously a pharmacist, so this marks my 8th year at UBC! As a pharmacist, I enjoyed working in rural communities and exploring different parts of BC. Currently, I’m focused on becoming the best physician I can be, while babysitting my 2-year-old niece, gardening, and trying all sorts of new things. I hope to be a family physician to serve rural communities in the future!  I feel unbelievably privileged and proud to have received this award from the Chinese Canadian Medical Society. Being a medical student requires a lot of time and dedication, but recognition in the form of an award pushes me to work harder and be the best that I can be. I sincerely thank you for your generosity. Being a recipient of this award is an incredible honor, and I plan to dedicate myself to becoming the best physician that I can be. I will take the recognition and scholarship with me in my studies, and strive to provide for our community when I have completed my training. I will also promote and work to bring care to underserved and rural communities, where I am excited to see some familiar faces, but as their physician! With sincere appreciation,  Daniel Yoo MD Year 2

Dear Daniel, Thank you so much for your heartfelt letter. It is an absolute pleasure and privilege to support someone so dedicated and inspiring. Your journey from a rural pharmacist to medical student is a testament to your character and commitment to others. We have no doubt you will become an exceptional physician. The communities you will serve are lucky to have someone with your heart and experience coming their way. On behalf of everyone who contributed to this scholarship, please know that supporting you is our joy and honour. With warmest congratulations and very good wishes, Dr. Jen Yu Chinese Canadian Medical Society of BC