How the Helene Babin Jacob Bursary Empowers Master's Student Shincy Shaji

October 20, 2026 — For Shincy Shaji, the path to advanced nursing practice has been defined by resilience, dedication, and a commitment to lifelong learning. An internationally educated nurse who immigrated to Canada from India in 2017, Shaji has navigated the complexities of relicensure, career transitions, and family life to pursue her graduate education at Laurentian University.

Currently enrolled in the Master of Science in Nursing, Advanced Nursing Practice stream, Shaji balances her academic workload with full-time employment as an operating room nurse and clinical educator, alongside raising a family in Oshawa, Ontario. Her journey highlights the transformative impact of donor-funded support, such as the Helene Babin Jacob Bursary, in helping graduate students achieve their full potential.

Shaji’s professional journey in Canada began from the ground up. Starting as a Personal Support Worker, she diligently earned her Registered Practical Nurse and Registered Nurse credentials through a demanding series of examinations. Over the years, she built extensive clinical experience across medical-surgical, hemodialysis, and perioperative settings.

Beyond direct patient care, Shaji is actively shaping the next generation of healthcare professionals as a clinical instructor for Bachelor of Science in Nursing students at Ontario Tech University and Personal Support Worker students with the Durham Catholic District School Board. When her youngest child entered Junior Kindergarten, Shaji seized the opportunity to realize a lifelong dream of pursuing a Master's degree. 

"I am so glad that I joined Laurentian," said Shaji. "It’s a great program, all the instructors are supportive, and the online flexibility allows me to manage my clinical responsibilities and family life effectively."

While provincial grants cover core tuition fees, the hidden costs of graduate education, including textbooks, specialized learning materials, and family expenses, can create significant financial stress. 

"As a working full-time mom with a mortgage, childcare, and everyday household expenses, bursaries make a world of difference," Shaji shared. "Receiving the Helene Babin Jacob Bursary gave me peace of mind. It allowed me to focus on my studies without having to worry about picking up extra overtime shifts or cutting back on our family's basic needs."

Expressing deep gratitude to the donors who make these financial awards possible, Shaji emphasized the far-reaching influence of donor generosity.

"To the donors, I would say that this is a truly great initiative," said Shaji. "For mature and graduate students balancing life, careers, and families, these bursaries mean everything. Regardless of the amount, every dollar of support brings immense relief and encourages us to keep moving forward."

Shaji is on track to complete her degree in the spring, with plans to continue expanding her career into advanced educator and clinical specialist roles.

Hélène Babin Jacob Bursary: Established by family and friends, this bursary is awarded based on financial need to a full-time student enrolled in the nursing program. Preference will be given to a Métis student in the francophone program. An application is required.

The application window for scholarships, bursaries, and awards opens on October 1 and closes on October 31. Students can also look out for Apply-A-Thon pop-up sessions hosted across campus throughout the month of October for hands-on assistance with their applications.

To learn more about available awards and application steps, visit Scholarships, Bursaries, and Awards or contact the Student Awards and Fees office at financialaid@laurentian.ca.