Acceptance to the world-renowned Master’s program in the Faculty of Law at the University of Cambridge “is a dream come true,” says Wormington. “Studying abroad has always been a goal of mine, and I cannot think of a better place to do so.”
Gagnon says that she too imagined attending university overseas, and that being admitted felt like she was achieving “a childhood dream”. Cambridge was Gagnon’s first choice for master’s studies because, she says, it “presents an unparalleled opportunity to learn from leaders in [philosophy of law and public law], right where some of these seminal theories were elaborated.”
Aside from the honour, both say that the scholarship will allow them to truly enjoy the Cambridge experience without additional financial worries, and to embrace whatever path their careers take, even if it may otherwise be considered impractical.
Thinking back on what drew them to study law at uOttawa, both Wormington and Gagnon agree that being able to pursue their legal studies in French was a significant factor, as was the joint JD-BSocSc program, which allowed them to complete two degrees simultaneously in six years.
Wormington credits the incredible opportunities he has been offered in law to his time at uOttawa. Beyond “the incredible classes taught by amazing professors”, he says it was the out-of-classroom experiences that had the greatest impact on his career: “my time as a research assistant and my various experiences with the Ottawa Law Review have helped me develop important research and writing skills that serve me well to this day.”
Eager for the start of the academic year, Gagnon says that she is “excited to soak in the historical atmosphere, learn from the best and the brightest and explore the city.” Offering perhaps even greater impact on future opportunities for Gagnon and Wormington is that they are joining the network of previous scholarship recipients; the “brilliant minds that have also benefitted from this program . . . all of whom have varied and interesting careers.”
Awarded annually by the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies, the Right Honourable Paul Martin Sr. Scholarships cover full tuition at the University of Cambridge, a monthly living allowance, the Immigration Health Surcharge, and one return airfare for each recipient.
To read more about the Right Honourable Paul Martin Scholarships, please visit the Canadian Institute for Advanced Legal Studies’ website.
Congratulations to these two brilliant students! We wish them continued success with their legal studies.