I was thirty-two before I managed any sort of academic achievement. While in graduate school, I received a small scholarship of $500 that meant the world to me. I am not sure if I deserved it; it might have been a kind gesture from a few of my wonderful professors. All I know is that it changed me. Overnight I became a confident, efficacious student, and it was just the beginning of my educational acceleration. When I finished my Master's degree, the department asked me to start teaching graduate courses. That sudden, sustained burst was instilled by an act of kindness and good faith. I know the power of such actions firsthand.
Tonight, I attended the Arab Student Union's scholarship dinner. It was a very nice event, as always, and I enjoyed myself. I listened as we were told of the impact these new scholarships were having on students two generations removed from my experience. I could see the same sort of synergy and excitement that was planted by modest and generous awards alike. The recipients knew that there were people who trusted and believed in them, and I sensed the same sort of responsibility I felt nearly thirty years ago. I was also very thrilled to learn that my Learning Assistant, Arwah, had received a scholarship tonight as well. She is a returning student from Yemen who works very hard at her job and at her studies. I couldn't have been prouder.
I was also thrilled to accept a beautiful award thanking our department, Learning Enrichment and College Readiness, for its support of these students. We are on track to providing another scholarship this year :)
Tonight, I attended the Arab Student Union's scholarship dinner. It was a very nice event, as always, and I enjoyed myself. I listened as we were told of the impact these new scholarships were having on students two generations removed from my experience. I could see the same sort of synergy and excitement that was planted by modest and generous awards alike. The recipients knew that there were people who trusted and believed in them, and I sensed the same sort of responsibility I felt nearly thirty years ago. I was also very thrilled to learn that my Learning Assistant, Arwah, had received a scholarship tonight as well. She is a returning student from Yemen who works very hard at her job and at her studies. I couldn't have been prouder.
I was also thrilled to accept a beautiful award thanking our department, Learning Enrichment and College Readiness, for its support of these students. We are on track to providing another scholarship this year :)
I can't express how energizing it is to work hard, but to also do so in the company of a great team, school and community! Nina and Sara have done a wonderful job leading the ASU this year, and you can see it in the confidence and grace of the students. As an added treat, Zain, on of our student assistants, was the featured entertainment at the end of the program. He has an amazing voice.
I don't know many people who grew up as I did, but I do know that there are probably thousands, if not hundreds of thousands, who have no idea of their academic or professional potential. Providing scholarship and recognition to these dreamers has immeasurable effect. I hope you donate to scholarships and similar academic support measures as someone who understands the power of faith and personal investment. That ancient scholarship changed my life and I mean to help change a thousand more......
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