Pursuing her Honours Bachelor of Business Administration in International Commerce and Global Development was one of the most difficult and long endeavours that Becky Sciliberto has ever challenged herself with.
“Juggling many competing priorities is never easy for anyone, (but) I think the largest obstacle I had to overcome was myself,” said Sciliberto. “Being a mature student is hard, and you learn differently than when you’re younger. I had to learn how to be patient with myself. I faced a lot of internal doubt about whether I had what it took to do the work.”
Not only did Sciliberto have what it takes, she exceeded her expectations and rose to the top of Niagara College’s Class of 2024. She will be recognized for achieving a 94% average with a Governor General’s Silver Academic Medal at her Convocation ceremony on the morning of June 13.
Governor General’s Academic Medals recognize the outstanding scholastic achievements of students in Canada. They are awarded annually to the student graduating with the highest average from a high school, as well as from approved college or university programs. Today, the Governor General’s Academic Medals are awarded at four distinct levels: Bronze at the secondary school level; Collegiate Bronze at the post-secondary, diploma level; Silver at the undergraduate level; and Gold at the graduate level.
This year is only the second year a Niagara College student is being awarded a Governor General’s Academic Medal at the Silver level for a degree program.
Upon learning of the distinction, Sciliberto, who is currently the Manager of Global Compliance and Reporting at NC, said she was shocked – and then felt proud, grateful and excited.
“Throughout my studies, I was never motivated to be the best in the class” she said. “What did motivate me was my commitment to do the best that I could and prove to myself that I was capable of achieving good grades at a degree-level calibre.”
That commitment required a lot of self discipline, which Sciliberto prides herself on having. It’s what allowed her to balance studies, full-time work and family life.
“But I also made a lot of sacrifices and had to say ‘no’ to a lot of things,” she said. “That’s the other part of discipline people sometimes forget; there is a sacrifice to be made.”
Sciliberto missed her convocation when she graduated from the College’s Advanced Diploma in Business Administration-Accounting Program in 2007. It’s something she’s always regretted.
“In many ways, this is my time to re-write my regret, and to enjoy and appreciate the moment,” she said. “Attending convocation and walking across the stage has been the strongest motivating factor behind why I went back to school.
I’m so grateful to be surrounded not just by my closest family members but also by many of my colleagues and fellow alumni who I deeply respect. It feels very surreal and is a moment I do not take for granted.”
With schoolwork now behind her, Sciliberto said she’s looking forward to having some free time again so she can connect with herself and her loved ones. She’d also like to do some travelling and get back into her creative hobbies.
“There are only good things to come, and I’m excited to see what’s next. But for now, I’m taking a break!”
In May, Sciliberto was also honoured with a Business Link Media Group’s 40 Under Forty Business Achievement Award in recognition of her leadership and community engagement.
