Inspired by Care: ENWIN Scholarship Supports Student’s Path to Rehabilitation Sciences (2022)

Image

Amelia “Mia” Tillie, a third-year student in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Windsor, is one of the recipients of the ENWIN Equity, Diversity, Inclusion & Accessibility (EDIA) Scholarship. The $1,000 scholarship, awarded by ENWIN Utilities Ltd., supports local students entering STEM programs who demonstrate leadership, academic achievement and a commitment to equity and inclusion.

Tillie received the award in 2022, before her first year of university. She began studying both Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences before narrowing her focus to human anatomy and physiology — subjects she’s passionate about and hopes to carry into a future career in physiotherapy or occupational therapy.

“I was elated,” Tillie said, recalling the moment she learned she had received the scholarship. “It was such an exciting and encouraging moment. I felt incredibly grateful, not just for the support, but for the recognition.”

Tillie’s university journey has been shaped by her early work experiences and community involvement. She spent two years working in a local pharmacy, where she gained insight into patient care and medication safety. A co-op placement in high school first sparked her interest in pharmacy after witnessing a pharmacist play a critical role in her grandfather’s medical care.

While that experience launched her into health sciences, her path shifted when she began working as a support worker with Autism Services, helping children develop skills in summer day camps. One connection — working one-on-one with a child whose family later invited her to provide ongoing support — had a lasting impact. “That experience showed me how meaningful it is to work closely with people and support their development,” she said. “It’s what inspired me to pursue a future in rehabilitation.”

Tillie is now preparing to apply for a master’s program and is currently volunteering at a private physiotherapy clinic. She supports intake processes, observes assessments and is gaining hands-on knowledge of patient care in a clinical setting. “It’s very organized, very personal. I really enjoy seeing the direct impact of care,” she said.

In addition to the scholarship itself, Tillie appreciated the opportunity to attend an ENWIN-hosted expo, where she met professionals from across departments. “It was amazing to see the inner workings of a utility and meet so many people doing meaningful work,” she said.

Tillie’s story reflects the spirit of the ENWIN EDIA Scholarship — empowering students who lead with compassion, curiosity and a drive to build healthier, more inclusive communities.

You can learn more about the scholarship and how to apply here.