It’s hard to imagine things getting much better for Ryan Carlson.
While vacationing in New Zealand as part of a working holiday in the south Pacific Island nation, the Shaunavon High School grad learned that he had won a special contest sponsored by Medicine Hat College.
After spending the past nine months there, Ryan returned home with the welcome news that because of his winning entry he would be getting free tuition and on-campus residency at Medicine Hat College next year, as well as a new laptop, video with editing software and a stack of MHC gear. The total prize package is valued at $15,000, making it the biggest contest the college has ever put on.
Calling the contest the “Face of MHC,” school officials invited students to send in a short video expressing why they should be the “Face of MHC”. Entries were limited to those students planning to attend the college on a full-time basis during the 2010-2011 school year.
“We are really excited to launch the Face of MHC contest. It’s an excellent prize for students, and a great way to get them involved in sharing their college experience with others,” says Marketing Officer Colleen Graham. “The Face of MHC will bring a student perspective to college promotions, which is really what new students are looking for.”
Ryan, whose winning entry was announced at a special luncheon at the college yesterday (June 28), was picked from a wide selection of submissions.
“It was fantastic news to learn that I had won,” Ryan told The Standard. “And it definitely takes some of the stress off knowing that my tuition and residency will be covered next year.”
The former Shaunavon High School student, who was selected as his class valedictorian last year, will be enrolled in the school nursing degree program and will start his studies this coming September.
He will also be starting up a new position at the college this fall. As the winner of the “Face of MHC” contest, Ryan has also been handed the responsibility of serving as a bit of an ambassador at the school. Throughout the 2010-2011 school year, Ryan will work with staff on campus to create a student blog, a video diary, and attend special events.
The idea is to help enhance communications with students on campus as well as individuals considering attending MHC. By documenting his college experience through blog writing and self-produced videos posted to the college website, Ryan’s efforts will provide others with a glimpse into what it’s really like to be a college student - straight from the source.
“I’m really looking forward to my new job,” smiled Ryan. “I’ll be helping promote the school and events, and hopefully getting the students more involved in things.”
Ryan, who served as yearbook editor at SHS, admits he has a special interest in computer and new-age media.
“This is kind of what I’ve always enjoyed and have been doing already - and it’s something I would like to continue doing in the future,” he stated.
Ryan would also like to resume his traveling expeditions someday.
Last October, Ryan and fellow SHS graduate Peyton McFadyen left for New Zealand for almost nine months on a working holiday visa.
In between taking a handful of different basic jobs - that ranged from hotel and restaurant work - he toured the country well known for its beautiful scenery and wonderful weather. He also spent a week visiting Australia before returning home at the beginning of June.
“It was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made,” he said. “So many people had told me to do it now, because it won’t be as easy once you’re older and you start having commitments.”
He was actually in New Zealand when he submitted his entry for the “Face of MHC” contest.
“It’s just the miracle of internet,” he laughed.
Ryan will be working full time this summer at Legacy Computers before taking off for college in September.