Tara PatersonB次元官网网址檚 news made her mother B次元官网网址渂urst into tears.B次元官网网址�

She couldnB次元官网网址檛 believe her daughter was a Rhodes Scholar. The 23-year-old University of Victoria student has paved her way to the University of Oxford in the U.K. by winning the oldest international scholarship in the world.

B次元官网网址淚 think this is an incredible opportunity,B次元官网网址� said Paterson, who hails from Winnipeg. B次元官网网址淭his is the ability to study at one of the leading universities in the world with students from all over the world.B次元官网网址�

Through a gruelling application and interview process, Paterson beat out top students from universities across the province before securing the scholarship on Nov. 24.

As the Rhodes Scholar for B.C., Paterson joins 10 other Canadians at Oxford.

B次元官网网址淔inancially there is no way I could go to Oxford if it wasnB次元官网网址檛 for this scholarship,B次元官网网址� Paterson said. B次元官网网址淚 never expected to get it.B次元官网网址�

Paterson, a double major in womenB次元官网网址檚 studies and political science, will graduate in June. She is credited with not only being a brilliant thinker, but also a committed volunteer, leader and social activist.

B次元官网网址淲e are extremely proud of Tara Paterson. She possesses the qualities of a Rhodes scholar B次元官网网址� outstanding academic achievement, leadership and commitment to service,B次元官网网址� UVic president David Turpin said in a release.

The honour has changed her life in many ways, such as cancelling plans for a summer job, as the award includes flights, accommodations and living expenses for two years, valued at more than $100,000. She plans to pursue a masterB次元官网网址檚 in comparative social policy.

Looking back on her time in UVic, she has advice for students who hope to follow her path. B次元官网网址淵ou have to do what you love and take risks,B次元官网网址� Paterson said. B次元官网网址淚 started to do well in university when I found subjects I was passionate about.B次元官网网址�

reporter@vicnews.com