Sinead Gillis-Johnson receives the Big Country Agricultural Scholarship

By Diana Walker

This fall, Sinead began her first year at the University of Saskatchewan, enrolled in a four-year Bachelor of Science in Biology program.

“I have always thought living body systems are fascinating,” she says.

She says growing up in a small town limited her exposure to different careers. However, seeing her mother’s large medical textbooks inspired her interest in science.

Big Country Agricultural Society vice-president and scholarship committee member, Kerry Molzan, presents Sinead with a BCAS scholarship. $500 is given in the fall, with the remaining $500 presented upon proof of registration in the second semester. Photo by Diana Walker

“I would be saying something completely different if I hadn’t started volunteering at the Crossroads Centre for various rodeos, gymkhanas and rough stock events,” says Sinead. “I was always being pushed to make conversation with contestants, former volunteers, and co-volunteers.”

Volunteering, she says, has given her a deeper appreciation for volunteers working around Alberta—busy at times, sometimes overwhelming, but always rewarding.

“Being around animals has helped me come up with a solid ‘Plan B’ if I decide ‘Plan A’ isn’t for me. My future in biology could hold a career in agriculture. It would be awesome to work alongside my older sister, who is studying to be a large-animal veterinarian.

“Whether it’s working with/on people or animals, I can achieve either with this program.

“I am grateful for my experiences with the BCAS and the opportunity to receive this scholarship. I plan to work extremely hard to achieve a profession that brings me peace and makes me happy,” concludes Sinead.

 UPDATE: When asked how her courses were going, Sinead responded, “I am thoroughly enjoying my classes and having fun with friends! I spend most of my days studying in the library. It is a calm space outside of my room where I can really focus. On weekends, you'll usually find me sitting in my dorm under my blankets. On occasion, I go out with friends, which is super fun! Some find the classes brutal in the first years. I find it's a slightly more in-depth version of my grade 12 courses. For the next school year (2026-27), I have decided to switch up my program to an animal bioscience degree. I found it to be more interesting, and the resources here are incredible. I would be crazy not to use them to my advantage!”