Paying it Forward

Paying it Forward

How one Fanshawe graduate is making a difference for children in Indonesia

To date, Mery has raised $35,000 and 45 students have completed their year at the school.

Mery Tarigan (Golf and Club Management alumni, 2020) had a difficult childhood, but always kept a positive attitude.

She and her three siblings were raised in Indonesia by a single mother who struggled to get by. Mery was offered a university scholarship after high school, but turned it down to help provide for her family.

Mery found work as a golf caddy in Malaysia. There, she met Canadians Paul and Janet Tufts. Moved by her story, they helped her come to Canada and became her “house parents.” Mery enrolled in Fanshawe’s Golf and Club Management program and English Language Institute (ELI).

“Mery was a superstar in our program, getting involved in every opportunity,” says Tina Martin, student integration facilitator for the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program. “She made us proud with her positive attitude and heartforward nature.”

Mery earned many accolades, including being named both Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association National Scholar and women’s golf MVP in the 2019/20 year. Though she already achieved so much, when Paul and Janet asked what her dream was, she had a big goal in mind.

“I wanted to build a preschool for poor children in Indonesia,” says Mery. “I had an unhappy childhood, and it was hard for my family to afford to send me to school. I don’t want other children to feel that way.”

To date, Mery has raised $35,000, allowing 45 students to complete their year at the school.

Mery finished her studies at Fanshawe in 2020 and continues to build her career.

“I love Fanshawe,” she says. “I am grateful for the connections I made and for everyone who helped me get where I am today.”