Uncertainties and Urgent Aid: Sharon Atokolo’s journey across the world to support her daughter
A journey born of love
A mother’s love and determination can take them on unexpected journeys. When Sharon Atokolo left Nigeria with her family of five to pursue education in Nova Scotia, she carried with her not just career dreams but also the hope of creating a better life for her nine-year-old daughter with cerebral palsy. Since Nigeria had no schools for children with special needs, Sharon had homeschooled her daughter using YouTube videos and handcrafted therapy equipment, but she knew this wasn't enough.
"I reached a point where I realized that what I was doing wasn't sufficient," Sharon reflects. "My daughter needed more than what YouTube and I could provide." This realization led Sharon to enroll in NSCC's Behavioural Interventions program at the Annapolis Valley Campus in Middleton, with the goal of helping her daughter and other children like her.
Facing unexpected challenges
Sharon's carefully laid plans faced unexpected challenges shortly after arriving in Nova Scotia. What was estimated to be a $150 monthly heating bill turned into a staggering $800 expense. Circumstances beyond her control compounded this crisis – the Nigerian Naira dropped in value, halving the value of their savings, and a basement flood forced the family into costly temporary accommodation.
It was during this crisis that Sharon learned about NSCC's Urgent Aid Program through Student Services. Sharon could not begin to describe the excitement and relief she felt when receiving Urgent Aid. "I wept tears of relief when I received the cheque with my name on it," she remembers. "I immediately paid for the gas to fuel my furnace."
From relief to success
The impact of this emergency support extended far beyond meeting immediate needs. "I had peace of mind to study," Sharon explains. "Having three kids under 10, with one having special needs, was already challenging enough. Adding unforeseen bills on an already overflowing plate. Once I received the funds and paid that bill off, I could concentrate and function as I needed to, academically."
Through access to emergency support and her own perseverance, Sharon graduated with honours from her program. Today, she applies her learning both professionally and personally, noting how the program has made her a versatile employee in health and educational sectors while equipping her with tools to better support her daughter.
Looking ahead, Sharon plans to pursue a Master's degree in Psychology and take the Board Certification exam for Behavioural Analysts.
Making a difference when uncertainties arise
Stories like Sharon’s are an example of why support programs like NSCC Urgent Aid are so important in bridging the immediate and unexpected need of students at the College.
To donors who make the Urgent Aid Program possible, Sharon shares a heartfelt message: "In a time when I had nowhere to turn to, when I felt boxed in by pressures from various angles, your donations saw to it that I could get some of my burdens pushed away so I could see clearly what was before me to achieve. I am grateful."
When you donate, you don’t just help someone, you make a difference.
Donate to Urgent Aid
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