Three things I wish all donors knew
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EmailMy college education was highly funded by donors. These families and foundations made it possible for me to #SpringForward.
by Liz Brajevich
My college education was highly funded by donors. These families and foundations made it possible for me to #SpringForward.
The Coca-Cola Scholars Foundation writes a large check to my college financial aid office each semester, and Glamour Magazine has sponsored $3,000 toward my education.
Seven families besides my own have funded my college education: the Cherney Family, the Green Family, the Glassen Family, the Hepp Family, the Kaminga Family, the Cole Family, and the Kevern family.
The Cherney Family encouraged me to keep applying for scholarships and taught me that my commitment to community service was just as important as my academics.
The Glassen and Kevern families enabled me to become fluent in natural resource issues and policy, and then the Kaminga and Hepp, and Cole families gave me the financial flexibility to take electives in the department of Human Development and Family Studies, where I am now pursuing my Master's Degree.
For a student who was uncertain she would attend a four-year institution, finishing my Masters of Science at Michigan State University this year is more than a dream come true - it is a career goal realized.
As I begin looking for my first big break, my plan is to find a job where I can change lives for the better, every day. I have been inspired by the way these donors changed my life.
Donors, these are three things all scholarship recipients wish you knew:
- It is a privilege to send you a thank you note.
- You make us cry. We are overjoyed, relieved, and excited to explore opportunities we never imagined.
- To recipients, you are heroes making college dreams a reality.
Thank you to all of the families that have touched my life and enabled my learning. Now, on to the next chapter!
Liz Brajevich is the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources Outstanding Student Leader award winner. She is the student speaker at the May 7, 2016 Commencement Ceremonies.
This article was originally written as part of the #StudentVoices series, which is tied to LinkedIn’s new student editorial calendar.
