Golden Key is pleased to introduce Denisha Labuschagne, one of Golden Key’s 2020 Professional Development Award winners. Denisha graduated from the University of Pretoria with a Bed FET in Human Movement Sciences and Sport Management in 2016.

“I am overwhelmed with gratitude to have been selected to receive the 2020 Professional Development Award,” Denisha says. “I am honoured to have my work recognized in this way by Golden Key. Many hours and dedication go into committing to a lifestyle that promotes lifelong learning, leadership, and service to others, and it means a great deal to me that the work that I am so passionate about also resonates with others.”

Denisha is very thankful to her husband for his unwavering support.

“I would like to thank my husband Louis for his love and support throughout all my endeavours and spur-of-the-moment ideas and many other planned and unplanned adventures,” Denisha mentions.

Among the people Denisha is thankful for is Golden Key.

“Lastly, thank you to Golden Key for providing abundant resources and opportunities along with ongoing motivation that inspires me to be the best version of myself every day,” Denisha comments. “I hope that this recognition can serve as an inspiration to others. I am humbled and appreciative.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Denisha; we wish you the best of luck in your endeavors!

Golden Key is overjoyed to introduce Megan Lee, Golden Key’s 2020 Johnson Insurance Award winner. Megan earned her Bachelor of Science in Physiology in 2020 from McGill University and is currently studying her Master’s of Science in Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of Alberta.

“I am extremely honoured and humbled to be a recipient of the Johnson Insurance Award,” Megan says. “I have always been inspired by Golden Key’s focus on academics and leadership, but its commitment to service has been a value that strongly resonates with me.”

Megan enjoys volunteering for organizations that reflect the values that are near and dear to her heart.

“I am incredibly grateful for the numerous people in my life who showed me the importance of volunteerism, as well as Golden Key, Heart2Heart, the Immigrant Education Society, and many more organizations for providing me with the chance to give back to the community in meaningful ways,” Megan comments. “Winning this award will further motivate me to continue pursuing volunteer opportunities at every stage of my life.”

Megan continues to grow and educate herself and is a well-rounded person.

“Throughout my undergraduate degree, I volunteered with a non-profit student organization established at McGill University called Beyond Me,” Megan shares. “After learning about people with special needs and the difficulties that they faced in their daily lives, I aimed to break down the public’s misconceptions and the stigma around them.”

Megan was very eager to start volunteering with immigrants, given that her parents were immigrants.

“Another minority group that I wanted to work with was immigrants, as my parents were immigrants and found it difficult to integrate into society when they first arrived in Canada,” Megan explains. “Hearing about their struggles to communicate with others and the discrimination they faced in the 1980s encouraged me to do something within the community. Therefore, I searched online for different opportunities and found the ESL Conversation Club program at the Calgary Public Library. The ESL Conversation Club program helps new Canadians practice their English-speaking and listening skills in small groups. Over the past summer as a program leader, I gained insight into the impact of illiteracy on everyday life and the implications for being involved in the workforce for the participants.”

Megan continues to work with different immigrant groups to help them navigate their new homes.

“I am currently a volunteer with The Immigrant Education Society, where I help with their Computer Access for Literacy Learners (CALL) program,” Megan says. “I teach immigrants the basics of using a computer, including how to send emails, use Microsoft Office, and use video conferencing platforms like Zoom.”

Megan doesn’t just volunteer; she has also founded her own organization for helping others.

“One of my greatest passions is music, and it has been an integral part of my life from the age of 5 when I began learning how to play the piano,” Megan remarks. “In order to provide more performance and volunteering opportunities for youth musicians, I took the initiative to create an organization called Heart2Heart with the help of a friend and my former piano teacher. Heart2Heart coordinates volunteers and plans events at senior homes and hospitals throughout Calgary.”

Megan has a deep passion for others and is always looking for new ways to help people.

“From starting off as a sports camp volunteer to co-founding my own organization, I have committed immeasurable hours to provide services to my peers but also to those who need it most,” Megan says. “Volunteering has enabled me not only to help others but also to acquire life skills and knowledge which have helped me realize my potential. I will continue to dedicate numerous hours to volunteering throughout my life to make a positive impact on local neighbourhoods and society and hopefully inspire others to do the same as well.”

Thank you for being a part of the Golden Key family, Megan; we wish you the best of luck with your Master’s!