The last few years of Rowan Balchen's life outside of school have been challenging. Inside the school, the 18-year-old from Dauphin hasn't missed a beat and she graduated high school on just about the highest note possible.
Among her many awards and scholarships that she received was the University of Winnipeg's largest scholarship. Rowan is a recipient of this year's Walter Leatherdale Entrance Scholarship, which rewards the Dauphinite with $40,000.
In all, Balchen received over $43,000 in scholarship money as she embarks on her next journey. She also won the Governor General's Award. The award is given to the student who graduates at the DRCSS with the highest academic average combined between grade 11 and 12. Rowan's average was a smashing 98%.
"It is so completely surreal. I remember opening it, and I thought it said $4000 and I was so ecstatic, but I looked closer and I saw more 0's," said Balchen. "I eventually realized what I had actually won and I called my parents, and they were all crying and everything. It's just incredible and I am so happy."
"I knew I was a candidate, but I wasn't sure if I would actually win," continued Balchen. "I know I always give everything I have into everything I do, that's what I pride myself on. I can't say thank you enough to the people that have helped me along the way."
Balchen's new journey will see her attend the University of Winnipeg in the fall. She wants to become a Speech Language Pathologist. She just recently found out that's what she wants to pursue.
"I took grade 12 psychology in grade 11, and that was the first time that I've discovered something that I was passionate about," said Balchen. "After doing a bunch of research and going to career day presentations, I was really interested in it."
The more than $43,000 will go a long way in helping Rowan go far.
"It's much easier to say what I want to do knowing I have the financial resources needed to pursue this career," said Balchen.
Outside of school, Balchen has been very active. Her father has progressive MS. In a matter of a few short years, he's gone from doing everything you can imagine, to now being in a wheelchair. Instead of sitting back, Rowan has done everything in her power to help not only her father but every single person that suffers from MS.
She's taken part in the past two Riding Mountain MS bike rides. In 2017, she was the top fundraiser as she raised $4608. Last year, Rowan once again finished on top, raising $4345.
"I've had to watch the disease take over his body. He's my inspiration for all of this. I'm sick of seeing this disease take over a body like that," said Balchen. "Just like my school work, I put everything I could into raising money. It was so physically and emotionally draining, but it was worth every single moment."
Rowan will be attending the upcoming Women against MS Gala where she's been invited to be an impact speaker.
"That's such an honour. I just want to tell my story. I want to inspire others, just like my dad has inspired me and so many other people," concluded Balchen.
