By definition,
- a grant-in-aid to a student (as by a college or foundation)
- the character, qualities, activity, or attainments of a scholar
- a fund of knowledge and learning
In high school I was an average student... Literally, mostly B's with a few A's and a couple C's and 2 D's... No honors, no AP, no fancy crazy classes. I don't remember my class rank, my cumulative GPA or any of that fancy stuff. But I was pretty heavily involved in community groups, 4-H, FFA and played some sports. My senior year, I spent the whole second semester filling out scholarship applications. I had already been accepted to Fresno State and declared Ag Ed- Animal Science as my intended major.
The night of my high school's scholarship awards night, I walked away with 7+ scholarship and a pretty hefty amount of money to begin college with. By the way, this was the most scholarships to a single student that night by a lot. And I was the "Ag kid", who brought pigs to school-- suck it honors kids! Hahaha... I was absolutely freaking amazed that people that read my application, essay and mediocre grades and wanted to give me money.
Now that I'm older and still pretty involved in a few community organizations, I am apart of some scholarship committees. And although I'm young, I think being a teacher helps me understand what it takes for kids to get to college but also, how to help those kids appeal to committees. I met with one of my committees yesterday and it was interesting how the different members read and dissected the applications.
To be completely honest (that's the only way I roll), we all valued something different. One was big on grades, one on community service, one on potential and one on being well rounded.
And well... The kids with the 4.4gpa and tons of activities and community service and sports and a well written essay, DIDN't RISE to the top. The reason??? This kid is going to make it... With out without the scholarship we had to award. But isn't it weird that the super student, isn't the top kid? Uh hell yeah! Frickin weird... But it depends on who's reading. I was reading with many older people and one thing I learned from them? They like a story, they like kids with potential, kids who won't waste the money awarded, they like kids who will go big but who are realistic with their aspirations. I feel like when it comes to college and scholarships, your odds are better with pretty good grades, some community involvement, maybe a sport or significat activity (like dance/drama/rodeo etc.), a need, and a STORY! P.S. A terrible, tear jerker story isn't always best, nor is the story about how you're a great leader from playing sports.
Giving a scholarship is one of my favorite parts of being an adult, mostly because it makes me feel like I am able to give something that I was once given (well not with my money-- I wish!). Mostly because if picking correctly, you're helping a kid find their strength, their passion, their future and all that jazz. #iamaboutthatlife
"An investment in knowledge pays the best interest." Benjamin Franklin
A few pictures from my Senior year...
This is our famous "Loser" picture-- we've actually perfected it since then
Senior Scram (Sober Grad) with some of my favorite people...
My last fair showing, with my Willits bud, Miranda...
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