As a neurodivergent woman of colour, domestic abuse survivor, mature student and single parent, Amelia Godwin (BSc ’25) pursued her degree at Brock while overcoming tremendous personal challenges. But she didn\u2019t let those obstacles stop her from giving back.<\/p>\n
Her commitment to progress saw her recognized with the Board of Trustees Spirt of Brock medal on Thursday, June 12, receiving the honour alongside fellow medallist Anne Worrell (BSc \u201917, PhD ’25). The graduates were each recognized for their community contributions and impactful leadership.<\/p>\n
During her time in Brock’s Biological Sciences program, Godwin earned an Associate of Science from Vancouver Community College, completed a Nursing diploma at Niagara College and began working at Niagara Health.<\/p>\n
She credits her resilience to the compassion and support of Brock\u2019s faculty, who helped her passion for education, advocacy and inclusion.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey took the time to care; their care made a difference,” she said. “Now, I try to be that difference for others.”<\/p>\n
By her third year, Godwin found her stride and had graduated at the top of her college Nursing program, began working as a nurse, and joined Med Plus and the Golden Key Honour Society.<\/p>\n
She also stepped into leadership roles \u2014 serving as a tutor, peer mentor and public speaker \u2014 focused on equity in education, health care and science, technology, engineering and math (STEM).<\/p>\n
Godwin co-created a workshop series for Med Plus students \u2014 Stethoscopes and Stereotypes \u2014 exploring medical racism and Black contributions to medicine.<\/p>\n
She worked to make science more inclusive for youth through Let\u2019s Talk Science, a national science education outreach program, and the organization\u2019s Black Volunteer Collective.<\/p>\n
Drawing from her own experience, she now works as an Industry Expert Tutor at Niagara College where she supports nursing students experiencing academic anxiety.<\/p>\n
For Godwin, the Spirit of Brock medal is a call to see strength in collaboration and \u201cto use what we\u2019ve learned to give back.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means acknowledging the effort, support and shared journey it takes to accomplish anything meaningful, and committing to carrying those values forward, together.\u201d<\/p>\n
Worrell, a lifelong Niagara resident, has embraced every opportunity to grow, from her first poster presentation as an undergraduate Chemistry student to completing a PhD in the field.<\/p>\n
\u201cI used to hate presenting,\u201d she says. \u201cBut my supervisor encouraged me to try, and I realized I can do this.\u201d<\/p>\n
That tenacity has allowed her to overcome obstacles and make the most of opportunities.<\/p>\n
When she was close to completing her master\u2019s degree in Chemistry at Brock, she received an unexpected offer to transfer into the PhD program by Professor of Chemistry and Former Canada Research Chair Melanie Pilkington.<\/p>\n
A PhD was not something Worrell had previously considered, though she’s now grateful the opportunity presented itself.<\/p>\n