Oceane Mignon: A global perspective, a passion for change

Imagine being the first in your family to attend university—moving across the world, navigating a new culture, and chasing a dream to one day help shape global change.

That’s the journey Oceane Mignon is on. With determination, a passion for international relations, and the support of donors who believe in her potential, she’s turning ambition into action.

A first-year Arts student at UBC Okanagan with plans to major in International Relations and minor in Spanish, Oceane dreams of one day working with organizations like the UN or UNICEF. “I just hope to find something that I’m passionate about and that can really make a difference,” she says.

Born and raised in Germany, Oceane moved to Vernon, BC, two years ago, where she graduated from high school before starting at UBC Okanagan. With dual citizenship and fluency in English and German—plus a growing interest in Spanish—she brings a global mindset to her studies. 

“I’m interested in politics and obviously the international aspect from growing up in a lot of places over the world,” she explains. “So that was specifically why I came here.”

The transition from Europe to the Okanagan Valley—and then to university life—wasn’t always easy. But Oceane embraced the change with curiosity and drive, seeing her education as the first step in a bigger journey. Her interest in the social sciences, combined with her multicultural background and language skills, made UBC’s International Relations program a natural fit.

As the first in her family to attend university, Oceane’s path hasn’t been without challenges. But donor-funded awards—the Finch Family Award and the UBC Centennial Scholars Entrance Award—have made a meaningful difference.

“I remember when I got my UBC award, I was just about to get on a plane back to Kelowna and I was completely shocked—because I wasn’t expecting it at all,” says Oceane. “I was so happy! My family was very happy for me too.”

Like many students, Oceane is managing the financial demands of tuition through a mix of support and student loans. But thanks to donor generosity, the burden is lighter—and the path forward, clearer. “Anything I’ve been able to receive has helped me so much,” she says.

Now finished her first year, Oceane is looking to the future. She’s keeping an eye out for co-op placements or other experiential opportunities that align with her hopes for a thriving society—particularly those related to humanitarian aid or international development.

“I would love to participate in something like co-op if I found the right opportunity,” she says. “That would be the plan if I found something I liked."

Outside the classroom, Oceane finds joy in creativity and travel. She often documents her trips using disposable cameras—capturing candid, analog memories of places she’s explored with family. A favourite set of photos from a road trip through Italy now hangs above her desk, daily reminders of where she’s been—and where she hopes to go.

To the donors who’ve helped her take this first step, she offers heartfelt thanks.

“I would just like to thank them,” says Oceane. “I think their support is such a huge gift to people that wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity to study.”

She adds: “It gives me a head start in life. I’m so very grateful.”

Empower more students like Oceane to shape a better world—support the FORWARD for Students Fund today.