U Waterloo grad, 25, lives at home to fund student award

Michael Robsonlives at home with his parents in Scarborough to save money, but it's not to buy a house it's to fund an award to help students at his alma mater, the University of Waterloo.

Robson is putting forward $10,000 of his own money over the next five years to fund the Collective Movement Award for Waterloo students who volunteer and contribute to the school's black, African and Caribbean communities.

"Being part of the black community and the black students there, I really got a lot out of participating with those clubs, they really helped shape my student experience and I really wanted to give back to them because I know they're doing the same for other students as well," he said.

Robsonwas involved with theUniversity of Waterloo African Students Association, the Black Association for Student Expression and the Association of Caribbean Students during his time at Waterloo. He graduated in 2013 from the speech communication program.

"With the award, the reason for the name Collective Movement, is I want to also start getting people to think of creating a collective culture of giving. When we give, we all win."saidRobsonin an interview with CBC K-W'sThe Morning Editionhost Craig Norris.

Waterloo, GTA communities differ

Robson grew up in Pickering, east of Toronto, and found his experience growing up differed a lot from what he encountered in Waterloo.

"For example, very small things, even just the way that we talk to each other, our vernacular is different in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area)versus out here," he said.

"It was a very different kind of landscape coming in, but, having those groups there was like, very crucial for me being able to grow and feel comfortable in a space like that."

Along with volunteer work, students who apply should be in good academic standing. Currently, Robson says students should have an average of 70 per cent, but that may change in the future.

Robson's goal is to raise $40,000, the minimum required to open an endowment fund at Waterloo, so the award can be sustained over time.