What school will you be attending in the Fall?
Ohio State University
What Major will you study?
Psychology
What is the most important thing you learned in high school?
The most important thing I’ve learned in high school is to be involved in anything. At my school, we had a yoga club freshman year. I joined the club and I made friends that I have four years later. I later joined several other clubs, like class council and DECA. I not only made friends, but I also made memories that taught me more than any teacher could teach me about life. In DECA club, which I am heavily involved in, I learned how to always present myself in a confident manner; however, I also learned that hard work will always prevail. The opportunity to be involved in something is an open door that cannot be passed.
What is your favorite high school memory?
My favorite high school memory was when I won state in my DECA competition. At DECA you participate in business role play and take tests on subject matter like Economics. It is a very tense environment because everyone is determined to take home a trophy. Despite the overwhelming environment to an average person, this is where I thrive. I thrive in the ability to take a task in a pressure-heavy environment and complete it at peak ability. My goal was top ten in the state. Upon awards, I never dreamt of winning the whole competition. The sweet feeling of success and my hard work paying off put a smile from ear to ear on my face.
What is your best advice to future first-generation students?
My advice is to never stop working hard. Your determination will set you apart from the rest. Show up early and be the last to leave. There will be people that say you cannot do it and they are there to see you fail. You can prove them wrong, like I guarantee you already proved others wrong before.
What is a challenge that you have overcome as a first-generation college student?
A challenge that I have faced is people doubting my abilities. Since both my parents never attended college, people assume that I have been raised in a lower intellect family. However, my parents may not be able to perform tricky math calculations, but they have taught me the most important life lessons. Lessons like hard work and passion are deeply rooted in my morals. My mom has worked at her company for over 35 years and her hard work has been recognized on many occasions by her peers. Just because I am a first generation college student, it does not mean my parents and I are less intelligent than the rest.
What does it mean to you to receive the Superintendent’s Scholarship?
It means the world to me to have received this scholarship. I am now able to attend my dream school with lesser weight on me financially. By receiving this money now, I can later put more money toward attending law school. Also, this scholarship provides me with much more than just money, it provides me with tools for future success. After attending the networking session, I took away tips to making meaningful and beneficial relationships with others.
