A chance encounter opens up one future CPA’s eyes to a world of possibilities
Sometimes, a chance encounter is all you need to open your eyes to new opportunities. Just ask Sydney Eyre, a CPA Education Foundation award recipient, who had plans to pursue dentistry until a high school career fair changed her fate.
“My first encounter with the CPA profession was when I met a public accountant and a forensic accountant [at the career fair]. The fact that the same designation could lead to two such distinct paths really interested and excited me. After speaking with people at the CPA Alberta booth, I decided that’s what I want to do,” says Sydney.
That career fair was Sydney’s first introduction to CPA Alberta and the CPA Education Foundation. It’s an enduring connection that has been with her ever since, as she has been both a participant in the CPA High School Ambassador program and the recipient of multiple Foundation awards—the Young Emerging Professionals Award, the J. Lorne Baxter Memorial Scholarship, and most recently, the David and Janet Bentley Post-secondary Excellence Award.
“The support of the Foundation really helped me build my university experience,” she says. “I wasn’t a very outgoing person in high school, so I decided that when I go to university, I’m going to make sure I get the most of it and get involved in as many extracurricular activities as I can.” And get involved, she did! Throughout her post-secondary career, Sydney has been an active volunteer for student and community service clubs and has used her experiences to mentor and create opportunities for her fellow students.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to have many opportunities during school, such as participating in many international case competitions,” says Sydney. “Unfortunately, those activities also cost money. The awards I received helped relieve the financial pressure and allowed me to get involved in those activities. These experiences not only helped sharpen my skills, but also strengthened my resolve to become a CPA.” Now in her final term at the University of Calgary’s Haskayne School of Business, Sydney is thankful for that chance encounter back in high school and excited for her future as she works toward her CPA designation.
The CPA Education Foundation is committed to supporting students, like Sydney, along their educational journey. Whether you’re an avid volunteer or have appeared on the Dean’s list, there is a Foundation award for you! Check out the full list of awards and information on how to apply.