Enhancing quality of life for others

Brette Holland has a passion for learning, sports and fitness.

A regular volunteer in her community and a gifted athlete, Brette enjoys helping people and seeing others succeed — traits she showed during her Mechanical Engineering studies on the Agricultural Campus.

Now, she’s bringing those traits with her to Halifax, as she works to complete her Engineering degree at Dal’s Faculty of Engineering. She was one of five students this year selected to receive the Nova Scotia Power Centennial Scholarship, a renewable two-year award.

“I am very honoured to be a recipient of the Nova Scotia Power Centennial Scholarship,” said Brette. “As a student, financial aid goes a long way when pursuing an education. I am very grateful and appreciative of this scholarship.”

It’s not her first time through Dalhousie, either: Brette graduated from Dal with distinction in 2013, completing a Bachelor of Science degree majoring in Mathematics with a certificate in Actuarial and Financial Mathematics. She has been named to the Dean’s List every year of her university studies.

“She is equally recognized for her intelligence and diligence as her kindness and leadership,” says Mandi Wilson, administrative coordinator at the Department of Engineering in Truro. “She aspires to excellence in every activity.”

An all-around student

Brette grew up in Shortts Lake, N.S. “I was drawn to Mechanical Engineering because of my passion for math and physics along with my keen interest for problem solving,” she says. “Throughout my life I have been fortunate to have had the opportunities and support of my family to participate in many sporting and community events . . . I was always encouraged to help others achieve their goals in both academics and athletics.”

While studying at Dal’s Agricultural Campus, Brette competed on both the golf and the women’s varsity soccer teams. She was named Rookie of the Year for golf in 2014-15 and MVP for 2015-16, noting that she'll always treasure playing in the national championships in 2015. She was named a CCAA Academic All-Canadian, ACAA All Conference and Dal AC All Academic Athlete for 2014-15. She is also an avid runner, having participated in many local races and competing in the Nike Women’s half marathon in Washington, D.c. in 2014.

“Brette is an exceptional student-athlete,” said Dal AC Athletics Director Judy Smith. “A dedicated, coachable athlete, she has a competitive sport spirit and is a supportive teammate.”

In her spare time, Brette is also a certified Zumba and ZumbAtomic instructor, having taught regular classes in Halifax, Enfield and Brookfield. She has volunteered her Zumba skills for a multitude of fundraising events, including Relay for Life, Alzheimer’s Society of Nova Scotia and Girl Guides. She also tutors math at all grade levels.

As for what she envisions after completing her engineering degree: “I plan to pursue a career in biomedical engineering developing prosthetic limbs due to my strong passion for sport and fitness as well as helping others.”