Anne-Camille Haziza was always curious about how the world worked.
“The unknown and the unsolved have always fascinated me,” said the 18-year-old math, science, and physics whiz.
“My parents often brought me to the library and museums and patiently encouraged my many questions, which allowed me to explore a wide range of topics and develop a lasting love of learning.
“Over time, this curiosity developed into a strong interest in science, as it is a field that places high value on rigorous explanations.”
Her scientific interest helped her win two internships at the Nasa tracking station in Bermuda. This included getting involved with the Wallops Academic Research Experience, in which she supported an Antares rocket launch carrying a Cygnus spacecraft into orbit to deliver supplies to the International Space Station.
In addition, Ms Haziza has also impressively completed two internships at the Bermuda Institute of Ocean Sciences and Arizona State University.
Her work in the United States National Science Foundation-funded Plankton Ecology project has been used for graduate-level research, and she will be listed as a coauthor on a related science communication soon.
Ms Haziza backed this up with exceptional performance in the classroom at Bermuda High School for Girls: scoring 43 out of 45 in the International Baccalaureate Diploma, which placed her in the top 2 per cent to 3 per cent of candidates globally.
Her drive, determination, curiosity and academic success led her to win a life-changing award last summer: the Dudley and Deborah Butterfield Scholarship from the McGill Bermuda Scholarship Trust.
Launch pad
The Dudley and Deborah Butterfield Scholarship was established in Bermuda in 1988 thanks to a generous donation from the Butterfields, together with the collective contributions of McGill graduates in Bermuda.
It is offered in alternate years and is available to students in Bermuda to study at McGill University in a degree programme.
“I am extremely grateful to have been selected,” said Ms Haziza, who is currently pursuing a degree in physics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
She plans to continue her studies after that, with the goal of contributing to research in physics with a strong parallel background in mathematics.
“I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to work on problems that deepen our understanding of fundamental physical laws, to connect maths and physics, and to participate in the advancement and sharing of scientific knowledge.”
She said that receiving this scholarship significantly reduced her financial burden and allowed
her to focus more fully on her academic goals.
Beyond the financial support, the scholarship has also given her a strong sense of encouragement and validation.
“I have also had the opportunity to connect with McGill alumni and members of the Trust, which has helped me feel part of a broader and very supportive community. I am truly honoured to be associated with the Trust and its mission.”
Opening doors
Another BHS student, Kristy Sanchez, received the same scholarship award in 2022. She is now completing her last year at McGill University where she will receive a Bachelor of Science in Biology.
“Being a recipient of the scholarship allowed me to truly focus on my studies, and keep up a high GPA,” said Ms Sanchez.
“More impactfully, however, the scholarship allowed me the flexibility to incur the expenses for more educational opportunities.”
Ms Sanchez studied abroad for a semester in Panama, spent a month in the Alberta Badlands studying palaeontology and took multiple Montreal-based field courses.
“I was able to travel, apply my classroom-based learning to the real world, and connect with people from all over the world,” she said.
“Having these opportunities at such a world-renowned university is something I will forever be grateful to the scholarship committee for.”
In the future, Ms Sanchez hopes to take a year off to work in a biology-based field and gain work experience. She also wants to volunteer and give back to the community, with plans to eventually return to academia.
Ms Sanchez has some advice for scholarship hopefuls.
“Be your own cheerleader instead of your own critic,” she said.
“If you believe in yourself, you can then start to show others why they should believe in you. If you don’t, why should anyone else?”
She also tells people to apply early and contribute to their community. It should enable scholarship committees to easily see why they should help certain applicants to follow their dreams.
“I was in a very anxious state when I was applying to universities and scholarships,” Ms Sanchez said.
“Don’t be afraid to ask for help or support from your family, friends or teachers. You are not alone, and there are many people who want to see bright young Bermudians succeed. Reach out to your community and remember you are not alone!”
Ms Haziza also has some advice for scholarship applicants.
“Scholarship applications and interviews can seem very daunting. However, it’s important that you remember to believe in your own potential and remain persistent in the face of uncertainty,” she said.
She encourages students to study hard, apply to many opportunities, and treat others with respect. “Consistent effort and openness to new experiences will lead to meaningful and lasting success.”
More information about the Butterfield Scholarship can be found online at https://www.mcgill.bm
