The courage of conviction

Melissa Myers. (Nick Pearce Photo)

Don’t tell Melissa Myers that there’s anything she can’t do.

Despite living with cerebral palsy and requiring the use of a motorized wheelchair to get around campus, the Dalhousie social work student has fight in her to spare—and she’s not about to let government policy stand in the way of earning her degree.

Because of her condition, Ms. Myers qualified for social assistance from the Nova Scotia government up until the month before she arrived at Dalhousie in the fall of 2006. That’s when she learned that the government was cutting her off because she was opting to study towards a second degree. Forced to choose between government support and her lifelong goal of a career in social work, she chose the latter.

But she hasn’t given up fighting to convince government that supporting education for people on social assistance is a worthwhile social good. “If you help these students get their degrees, they won’t have to be on social assistance anymore,” she says. “Unfortunately, government seems to focus on saving money now, not how they can save money five to 10  years from now.”

With the help of Dalhousie Legal Aid, Ms. Myers appealed the government’s decision to deny her income assistance. When the appeal failed, she went public, holding a media event with the support of the School of Social Work. It brought her story to a wider audience. Her
professors and fellow students have rallied to her side, writing letters to local politicians and helping to draw attention to her cause.

“Melissa is strong, principled and determined to change policy that makes a direct difference in people’s lives,” says Brenda Richard, associate professor with the School of Social Work. “We value her so much as part of our school.”

“I feel like we haven’t even scratched the surface of this issue yet,” says Ms. Myers. “I want to make sure that the people that come after me and want to go to school won’t have to struggle as I have. I’m glad that I’m doing this because in advocating for people, I hope that I can help the next generation.”