Education enhances professional engagement and a sense of self-worth. Seasons Retirement Community team members see the immediate effect of investing in their education on their everyday work life, boosting personal satisfaction, increasing the company’s community reputation, and, most importantly, improving their resident experience. In 2021, Seasons Olds General Manager Donna Heck, the company’s longest-standing employee at the time, retired early due to health issues. Donna was passionate about the importance of education and having fun at work.
In Donna’s honour, Seasons awards 10 team members $1000 to help pay their tuition or education costs each calendar year. To be considered for the ‘What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary, staff must be enrolled in a course during the contest calendar year; they can apply each year, regardless of whether they were awarded the bursary in the past. For Seasons’ 15th anniversary, the top submission will be awarded one year of tuition reimbursement up to $15,000! The remaining nine winners will each receive $1,000.
Seasons spoke to past winners who shared their passion for furthering their education and genuine care for Seasons residents and team members.
“To me, winning the ‘What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary was an honour. As a Social Work student at the University of Windsor, it meant reducing my financial education stress. With these funds, I purchased books and supplies for my classes. Working with the residents at Seasons Amherstburg for the last three years has been an incredible learning experience. I hope to continue working with seniors when I complete my Social Work education.” Mckinley, 2021 & 2022 Winner (Seasons Amherstburg)
“I was happily surprised when I won the ‘What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary. I am so grateful I could put this money towards my educational supplies for Teachers College. I was also able to purchase supplies to make my teaching placements more fun for my students. I have been working at Seasons for almost three years now, and I’m so thankful I can continue to work in a place that feels like home.” Jade, 2023 Winner (Seasons Amherstburg)
“Winning this $1000 bursary has meant a lot to me. Not only has it helped me financially in completing my post-secondary education, but it has also put my mind at ease, knowing that there are resources at my workplace to aid me through my schooling. This bursary has also meant so much to me in my journey here at Seasons. It showed me that Seasons put a lot of work into caring for their employees and helping them through their journey. Being at Seasons for nearly three years has taught me a lot, and receiving this bursary has helped me even more. Thank you, Seasons, for aiding me during my time here and throughout my academic years.” Marin, 2023 Winner (Seasons Belle River)
“For me, winning the ‘What The Heck?!’ Education Bursary was an amazing and surprising honour. Being acknowledged for my efforts at Seasons Camrose in such a significant way felt fantastic. I can now concentrate more on my academics and professional aspirations because of the $1,000 bursary, which has greatly reduced the financial load of my college tuition. Aside from the monetary assistance, the award has enhanced my dedication to giving the residents the finest care possible and my enthusiasm for my work at Seasons. This experience has been crucial to my career path because it has shown me that hard work and kindness can lead to unforeseen possibilities and doors being opened.” Brock, 2022 Winner (Seasons Camrose)
“Winning the Seasons’ What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary made me feel truly valued and appreciated at Seasons. Having initiatives like this shows how deeply committed Seasons is to developing and motivating its employees and recognizing their efforts. Winning helped support my education at the University of Lethbridge, for which I’m so grateful. More than the financial support, it also deepened my appreciation for my experience at Seasons, as the process allowed me to reflect on how much my residents, managers, and co-workers have contributed to my personal and professional growth and how much fun and enriching working at Seasons is! Winning has been a meaningful part of my journey here, serving as a recognition of my efforts and hard work and motivating me to keep giving my best in supporting the Seasons community and enhancing the lives of our residents, just as Seasons has enhanced mine with this award. A heartfelt thank you to Seasons, Donna Heck, and especially to my General Manager, Sonni, who ensured I had access to all the information for the bursary, encouraged me to apply, and supported me throughout the application process.” Gordon, 2023 Winner (Seasons Lethbridge Gardens)
“Winning the ‘What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary was an exciting and validating experience. It not only provided financial help to me with my education, but it also showed Seasons’ commitment to my personal and professional growth. The bursary significantly impacted my journey at Seasons by enabling me to pursue further education and experience, which has enhanced my skills and confidence. This support has strengthened my dedication to my role and showed me that my position at Seasons is valued.” Kayla, 2023 Winner (Seasons London, formerly at Seasons St. Thomas)
“Winning the ‘What The Heck?!’ Education Bursary was a meaningful support for me. I’m grateful that Seasons offers such opportunities for its student employees, as it significantly supports our growth and development. This bursary has been crucial in my journey, and I’m thankful for its support in helping me thrive as a student and an employee at Seasons!” Omna, 2023 Winner (Seasons Milton)
“Winning was great as school is so costly. The money went towards books, tuition, and rent. It felt really good to win, as the answers in my application centred on stories about our residents. I am grateful to have built some great friendships with residents and staff.” Sydney, 2023 Winner (Seasons Owen Sound)
“I am very grateful to be one of the recipients of Seasons ‘What the Heck?!’ Education Bursary. The financial assistance I received helped me through the first year of my Practical Nursing course to buy books and other miscellaneous items needed for school. It is an honour to be part of this company, which values and supports students like me as we pursue our future endeavours. May Seasons continue to inspire student employees to achieve their academic goals through this noble initiative.” Mary Jane, 2022 Winner (Seasons Royal Oak Village)
If you know someone you think would be an excellent fit for Seasons and is looking to make an impact in the life of a senior, you can encourage them to apply today by visiting our website and viewing all available job positions. Working at Seasons means knowing how good it feels to make an impact on the lives of seniors.