The Power of Scholarship

Asking for help or assistance is a trait that many of us struggle with. The fear of being a burden to others, or simply hearing the word “no.” I’ve always felt that fear of hearing “no,” should never outweigh the reward of hearing “yes.” I took this notion and decided that I would always shoot for my wildest dreams. Instead of telling myself that rejection was the worst possible outcome, I accepted the possibility and moved forward with faith that whatever is for me, is truly out there for me.

Having a mindset of acceptance for all outcomes set me up for success throughout my time at university. There were many times that I was unsure what an experience would bring for me. Questions I’d ask myself like “what if I don’t love it,” or “what if it doesn’t work out,” would fill my mind, often leaving me feeling stuck and unsure about my goals. It wasn’t until I put my fears aside that I actually started to pursue my greatest goals. My success began to unfold before my eyes in 2021 when I accepted each new opportunity as another outlet to propel me forward. 

During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, I made the big decision to study abroad. Like many people, finances were at the forefront of my decision.  I would ask myself, “Who has thousands of dollars to go away for the summer?” As a young, black woman who has faced many financial struggles and has needed assistance for most of my time at university, I feared that there would be no opportunities left for me to pursue because I couldn’t afford them. I then began to reach out and ask for help. I started by applying for scholarships specific to summer study abroad programs. I was met with open arms and extreme generosity from the Global Education Office. I received my first offer to help alleviate the stresses of affording a study abroad program.

Although I was grateful, the amount still wasn’t enough. I knew that given the price of tuition, I wouldn’t be able to go unless my experience was almost fully paid for, so I continued seeking assistance. I had spoken to my mentor at the Student Opportunities and Achievement Resources Program at the time, and was upfront and honest about my struggles. I had told him I was so thankful for my scholarship, but I still feared it would not be enough to get me to participate in the program. From there, he assisted me in writing essays, letters, and emails to all the resources either of us could think of. Just a few days later after speaking from my personal experience in an essay requesting additional funding, I got it. Just 2 months before the trip was scheduled to take place, I was awarded the remaining funds necessary to cover my study abroad experience in Iceland, with the Art and New Media program hosted by the School of Visual Arts. Not only was I able to go, but I was able to study amongst my classmates, peers and professors.

It was through my honesty and transparency in my essay, and my willingness to ask for help even when I knew I might be rejected, that I was awarded such a life changing experience. That summer I spent six weeks in Iceland with 13 other students and faculty. I was able to meet with local artists in the area, participate in a local exhibition, and learn new techniques and skills from other artists on a daily basis. And just to put the cherry on top, I hiked an active volcano my first day out there – it’s called Fagradalsfjall, and it was the first eruption in 800 years! I learned the valuable lesson that scholarships are more than just financial aid offered to the smartest students, but that scholarships also mean achieving at a high level and never giving up on your goals. By accepting the possibility of rejection, I opened the doors to new opportunities.