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“I know it’s not the most academic way to explore history,” says Steer who grew up in Cole Harbour, N.S. “But it was the most accessible way to do that, and it really helped spark my interest as a child.”

That spark became a passion for Steer. The more he learned, the more he wanted to investigate the ways that history has shaped society, specifically modern political developments and international affairs. He decided the best way to do that was to enroll at ���ϳԹ��� to major in political science.

“Of all the universities I looked at, Dal had the greatest variety of political science and history courses focused on my area of interest, particularly the 20^th century and the rapid changes that took place in everything from technology to political thought,” says Steer, whose parents are Dal alumni.

Gaining confidence and an advantage

Through his studies, and the guidance of his professors, Steer began to realize the importance of historical cases for developing and evaluating theories to understand and analyze the factors that contributed to current events. That inspired him to add history as a second major. It also led him to write an essay examining the motives for Japan to start a war with the United States and its allies in 1941—a topic he says has long been understudied.

The essay was a challenging one for Steer to write. He was applying a unique theory to a topic that required a lot of research, and he wasn’t sure about the quality of his work. He was surprised to discover that his professor submitted it for the Rear-Admiral F.W. Crickard Essay Prize in Political Science, and even more so when he found out that he won. The prize is offered once a year to the undergraduate student who has been nominated by a faculty member for the best international relations paper written in a political science course.

“I was in my second year at the time,” Steer explains. “It was really validating. It tells me that I should be more confident in what I write.”

More than validation, Steer believes the prize has benefitted him in other ways, starting with his current job. “I’m working at the Nova Scotia legislature as a page,” he says. “I think the award helped in that regard because having accomplishments like this on your resume helps you stand out.”

More benefits to come

Now in his third year of studies, Steer sees more benefits to come thanks to the donor support he received through the award. He placed the funds in a savings account and plans to use the accumulated interest to continue his studies. “I’m looking at going to law school to become a lawyer and work in government,” he says. “If that doesn’t materialize and I go another way, like studying policy, it’s good to know I have those savings to fall back on.”

It is also good to know that there are donors who are helping students realize their dreams, adds Steer. “Their generosity gives us the encouragement and financial support to continue our studies,” he says. “It’s been a real morale boost and I’m very grateful for it.”