Scholarship Award Process:

1) Final candidates will be selected 1 week after the application deadline.

2) All scholarship recipients will be honored by receiving a certificate of award.

3) Scholarship monies will be distributed to the student's college/university account pending the following:

A) Proof of enrollment in college via the college administration department.

B) Proof of grade point average of 2.5 or better was obtained.

4) Scholarships awards are for a maximum of $500.00 USD.

ABOUT US:

The "Courage to Grow Scholarship" was created to help students realize their college dreams.

We don't want the college dreams and plans of so many young men and women to get lost in the financial shuffle. It takes a lot of determination and courage to forge ahead when sometimes it would be easier to give up.

With the "Courage to Grow Scholarship" we strive to help students achieve their higher education goals. By taking away some of the concerns such as "how will I pay for college", students can concentrate on their education and focus on the task at hand.

Today's economy is hard enough on a family, it is our desire to ease some of the financial burden that a college education can put on individuals and their families.

Benjamin Franklin once said “Do not fear mistakes. You will know failure. Continue to reach out”. He obviously had never met me. As a perfectionist, I dread failures especially those that life inexplicably throws one’s way when he or she least expects it. However, as Franklin encouraged, we have to keep moving forward despite our shortcomings. Such a moment came for me during my senior year, after months of sending college applications and fearfully awaiting replies. I received four of my college’s decisions within a day of each other: three rejections and a somber wait list notification. Following my graduation ceremony, that opportunity wasted away to a dismal “no”. For a long time I was inconsolable, having spent my entire life being told I was “going to do great things one day” and was unsure how to overcome such drastic failure. Eventually, I decided the only way to achieve my goal of attending college was to start over and try again. I retook the ACT, wrote new application essays, and undertook a harsh self-examination. As it turns out, my tumultuous efforts were rewarded with an Early Decision acceptance to NYU and its large costs. The Courage to Grow Scholarship is all about moving past failure toward your dreams, even when it feels more frightening to do so. That is precisely what I have experienced here. Action speaks louder than words. In reality every failure is disguised opportunity. I turned my deepest failure into highest possibility.

L. Sage
NYU

My mother was diagnosed with two types of cancer and my father also suffered from a chronic illness for the majority of my high school career. In a time where I needed my parents most, I learned how to be independent and take care of the family. Despite the rough times I have gone through, I am blessed for everything I have been given. I have taken it upon myself to do everything in my power to make a positive change in the world. The service activity I enjoy the most is running a genocide prevention club at my school. I educate my local community about genocides that have happened around the world and how they have the power to stop the next one. I am truly dedicated to giving back to my community and I know it has done so much for me. With my little sister in elementary school and my big sister in college, the “Courage to Grow” scholarship will reaffirm my beliefs that my education will guide me down a path of success and remind me to always be thankful for what I have and those who have lent a helping hand. Education truly is the most powerful weapon and I hope through this scholarship that I will be able to further educate those around me.

Anthony Ibrahim
High School Senior

My father's constant curiosity and thirst for knowledge transformed my distaste for school to a savory drive for individual progress. During my childhood, our family took frequent trips to the Sierra Nevada Mountains where my father built a cabin on our land. It was there that my father taught us the necessities of life and how to find them. Aside from physical needs, such as food, shelter, and warmth, he also taught us the cycle of life: that everything is born from nature and everything thus returns. It is there that, at 13 years old, we scattered my father's ashes, among a stream that so often quenched our thirst, and there we will always be able to remember his wisdom. Nothing in my life could have opened my eyes more to the opportunities we have around us than my year abroad in Switzerland. During my junior year of high school, I had the privilege of being a foreign exchange student. I lived among different people, who were speaking different languages, in different cultures. I am now open to all opportunities that are presented to me, which is an essential aspect when striving to be a successful and productive scholar. I would like to go outside of our country again to study and to share my experiences with others. A scholarship like this one would help me to achieve my goals. Education is no longer a creeping stream of facts to me, but a roaring sea of life.

Jacob Bitney
High School Student

My parents raised six children, having their first child right after high school. Raising this many children was difficult for my parents and did not allow them to save money for future expenses, like college or retirement for themselves. In 2008, my family experienced a whirlwind when my mother was diagnosed with emphysema, a year later she was diagnosed with cancer. Medical bills, which covered medications, treatment, and doctor visits, became unimaginable. It is hard to fathom the expenses that came with improving the health and survival of my mother. Unfortunately, in 2009 my mother passed away. My father was left with little to no money to afford a funeral or finish paying her medical bills. At this point I knew affording college was going to be impossible. I decided to work throughout high school, but could only raise enough money for one semester of college. I also thought that if I studied vigorously in high school I could receive grades that would enable me to achieve scholarships. Yet, I did not plan into that equation the amount of change that came with losing my mother. I am terrified that affording college may prevent me from achieving my dreams of going to law school. Help give me the courage to grow and take great consideration in my application.

Ashely Monti

University of Minnesota

Life is not easy. My junior year of high school I was homeless. I had to face this with my mother, her abusive boyfriend, my two sisters, and my four-year-old brother. We lived in a car and prayed we could get enough money from other people at gas stations so we could afford a cheap hotel. My faith became weak as my mother became cold as if she was a walking dead person. There was no more life in her eyes because she was so disappointed she couldn't help her children. I was not going to let this run and ruin my life. I had to help turn our lives around. I helped my mother find a new job, and I tutored my sister in her freshmen year of high school. I also had to ask organizations at school to help my family with food. I can't say I did this on my own, because my faith grew stronger and things began to look up. I don't use my testimony for a pity party. I use it to show that everyone can do whatever their mind wants if only they just went for it and had faith and confidence in themselves. I deserve this reward because I am in debt and my family can't afford my college expenses. I am humble and I don't ask for help but I don't want to see my mom so sad that she can't help me. I will be forever grateful.

DeAnna Hall

California Baptist University

No matter how challenging the obstacles may be that veer in my path, my determination and drive to excel in all endeavors is by far my strongest attribute. Being the first member in my family’s generation to attend a University is an honor nonetheless, but it comes with a great deal of financial sacrifice. As I charge into my junior year of college as a full time student studying biology with an emphasis in medicine, I am besieged with the reality of the massive amount of debt I am burying my parents in, through the constant borrowing of private loans. As my siblings get closer to graduating high school I am reminded of the importance to relieve some of the financial load. Although it is disheartening to witness the way tuition greatly increases every year, it is well out of my character to fathom the idea of letting financial burdens inhibit my dreams of reaching Medical School and obtaining a doctoral degree; not only for myself but for my younger brother who also aspires to acquire a college education. I understand it is now within my reach to change my current circumstances, and reach out to organizations and people who are willing to lend support. I believe I should be greatly considered for this scholarship not only because I’m in financial need, but rather for the great impact I know I can achieve in this world through the continuation of crafting my skill and courage to further grow.

Trevor Mckoy

University of Washington

I am a college student in the northwest. I struggle to learn more about myself and my path daily. My struggle is not unique; many have been in my shoes and will be there again. Changing majors, making hard choices, and giving up what you thought you wanted are all part of life. However, people handle it differently. Through my hard times, this guidance helped me through: never give up, never get down for too long, and always strike out on a new path with a smile and a brave heart. Don’t beat yourself up for something you could not have known, don’t feel guilty over the things other people expected of you, and show them who you really are by what you do. There is always hope in life, even when everything seems to be spinning out of control. Perseverance and love always succeed, even if it’s in an unexpected way. All of these things are connected. I try to live them out in my everyday life and I am getting better at doing it all the time. That is why I apply to this scholarship over and over again, even though I have never been chosen. There is always hope, and perseverance wins. Thank you for your generosity.

Allie Robinson
Pierce College, WA

The Courage to Grow Scholarship is an honor to receive, and I would first and foremost like to thank you for this wonderful opportunity! Throughout high school, I have faced many obstacles. At times, I would feel like I was losing focus. But I learned that I had to keep going, no matter what. Courage and self-motivation is what kept me moving forward, despite whatever problems I was facing. I soon realized that believing in myself was the key to achieving my goals. My education has always been a top priority. Over the years, my passion for learning has only grown stronger. After I graduate high school, I plan to take my education to the next level: college. I would like to have a career in the science and technology field, along with a minor in music. The Courage to Grow Scholarship will definitely help me pay for some portion of my college costs. I am excited to find out what my future holds. I know that I will have to continue to be strong and courageous. I will persevere, even through times of difficulty…because in the end, it’s worth it!

Pallavi Chamarthy
Plano Senior High School (Plano, TX)

Finding the courage to try has always been an issue of mine. Constant trepidation filled me whenever I considered acting on any opportunity, regardless of its benefit. This fear and indecisiveness had caused me to miss out on a lot in high school, and I thoroughly regret this. The reasons why I didn’t enroll in challenging classes, and when it came time for college applications, why I hadn’t applied for any scholarships, stemmed directly from my fear of not being able to succeed in whatever I may attempt. I developed a type of acceptance, like most individuals do, when they are complacent with their current circumstances. However, upon entering college, I began a miraculous transformation. I realized then, that I must break free from the shackles of acceptance and fear that had held me down for so long. I decided to take hold of the opportunities around me and accept the challenges that I had previously cowered from. This shift in mindset motivated me to pursue my dream major of Physics, something that I never would have considered while I was still in high school. I used my clean slate to write a perfect GPA and have started research with two physics professors at my University in hopes of someday changing the world with my own scientific discoveries. With the funds from the Courage to Grow Scholarship, I would further progress my scientific aspirations and use them to pay my undergraduate research expenses.

Brandon Sweeting
University of South Florida

On January 12, 2010, I lost many of my peers in the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I survived. Although I feel blessed to be alive, I lost everything dear to me, including family, friends, and even pets. Throughout this horrific tragedy, pediatricians were most needed because of the large number of children who were hurt. Because of this tragedy, I was determined to become a pediatrician. As a Haitian-American, the word college is common in my household. My parents who never went to college always tell me that I will attend college. In this era where a college degree is becoming necessary, not going to college would be the worst mistake of my life. In order to become a pediatrician, I have to go to college. It is my only path. After the catastrophe, I avoided everyone. Depressed, angry and alone I was. I didn’t have enough strength to let go. However, I joined a program called JROTC that has taught me how to grow and move forward in life. I was once closed off. Now I mentor and groom cadets in the program. I spend my time helping others and giving back to my community in every way I can. I never pictured myself helping others especially with their tribulations. I can personally say, after the earthquake and it’s aftermath, I have grown incredibly mentally. Without question, this scholarship will make a tremendous difference in my life, my parent’s lives and the lives of those I will help.

Cala Fils
Montclair State University

Walking through the doors of North Reading High School as a freshman, something deep in my nature prompted my desire to leave a strong impression and establish myself as a leader early on. After being elected to many leadership roles at my high school, these positions served to further fuel my interest in student government on both local and regional levels. Senior year I was elected President of the Northeast Region of Massachusetts Association of Student Councils, (NEMASC). I run leadership workshops at various high schools and colleges across the state of Massachusetts where I teach other students public speaking, team building and communication skills. I interact with my high school principal regularly planning events and community service. While teaching other students strategies about how to further their leadership, I realize that involvement in these activities not only educates my peers but fosters my growth as a leader as well. Being involved in student government has influenced my plans for the future. My ultimate goal is to become a lawyer based on my passion for justice and political science. Student government has taught me the importance of influence. As President of NEMASC, I am aware of the impact I have on others and the need to take advantage of the opportunity I was given in this role in order to leave a lasting impression. If I were awarded the Courage To Grow Scholarship, it would be significant in helping me grow as a future leader.

Julie Bash
Providence College

Courage comes from within. I believe it takes courage to believe in something bigger than myself. It takes the ability to look at obstacles as opportunities and setbacks as stepping stones. It’s a chance to move forward in both difficult times and times of growth. Courage can manifest itself as painful or pleasant. Courage is an opportunity to develop the ability to look within and find ways to help others such as those you love and those who have lost loved ones. Courage teaches me to recognize that I am human and gives me the opportunity to grow as a person in my character, thoughts and actions. Courage ultimately stands for C-Compassion, the ability to show kindness to others. O-Overcoming, through stepping through not around difficult situations. U-Understanding that I can do all things with the right frame of mind. R-Reflecting on living in the moment and being mindful of those situations around me that help to me to grow. A -Achieving and seeking opportunities to develop inner character. G-Growth inboth character and attitude. Lastly, E- Endurance knowing that the end result of reaching for educational opportunities will bring about change that is lifelong and lasting.

Joshua McElrath
Central Washington University

I have been a single mom for nearly seventeen years and though sometimes it is a struggle, I wouldn't change a thing. Having been an active Realtor for the past twelve years I was feeling I wanted a change. I've wanted to go back to school for some time but waited until my daughter was older and had her driver’s license so she wouldn't be stranded. My daughter and I are now attending the same college. With both of us in school it can be very difficult to juggle the expenses. Proving to myself that I can do this is so important to me and I do not want to give up. I so much appreciate any and all help that I can get. This scholarship will be put to good use with books, supplies, and tuition. Thank you so much for your support.

 

Cassie Sinclair
Wenatchee Valley College

I am an anesthesiologist, a radiology technician, a maid, a surgery assistant, phlebotomist, critical care technician, a loving hand, a pharmacist, a teacher, a shoulder to cry on, friend to cry with, a sucker for a furry face, a face to lick, a midwife, a dental hygienist, a vet’s best friend, a pet’s best friend, a babysitter, a physical therapist, a mother, a playmate, a chew toy, a protector, and a cleaner. I can make the pain go away, save a life, see what’s wrong, clean anything, ease a mind, fill a drug order, show the right way, end suffering, give kisses, get kisses, clean teeth, and bring someone to do the right thing. I have a strong stomach, endured countless scars, scratches, and bites, cried with a stranger, cried into the fur of too many lifeless bodies, a big heart, a thoughtful mind, the strength to do the right thing even when it hurts, the ability to fall in love in five seconds, and the deepest love for all creatures. I am a Licensed Veterinary Technician who wishes to continue my education to benefit my patients. With this scholarship I would be able to continue to strive for the best care that my clients can pursue for their companion. This scholarship would help pay for books or even part of my tuition at St. Petersburg College to obtain my bachelor's in Veterinary Technology.

 

Ashley Malmgren
St. Petersburg College

It has been two years since I started down this path of worry. Looking back now, I see how much I have grown through all the struggles with my nemesis, money. These battles have left me with many bruises, worry, anxiety and stress, but I fight on. I am a soldier, fighting for my future despite every obstacle that tries to get in my way. I am tired of continuously being scared and shattered, forced to crawl at money’s whim. At the beginning of my sophomore year, I had a nervous breakdown. I was in desperate fear for my future; there was an unexpected balance of three thousand dollars that my financial aid did not cover. I saw my future crumbling before me in an instant, I was faced with losing my chance at education, a chance at escaping the poverty stricken nature of my family, their last hope. Through grace, not all hope was lost. God provided for me and I was able to take loans to pay the balance. That experience has increased my willingness to fight for my future; I am finished with money holding me back. I strive to be a true representative of poverty stricken youth determined to show the world and inspire others like me that despite my dire financial circumstances I will accomplish all my dreams. Learning to have hope, never give up, always looking for a brighter future. I am a soldier for the future to win the war for my life.

 

Samantha Williams
Bowie State University

Seeing my mother come home exhausted every day from her job, she never once forgot to remind me that if I did not want to live a life like hers, then I needed to always persevere and go to school. My mother, only having a sixth grade education and living with her two young children in a gang infested community where violence prevailed, was able to take on both roles of father and mother and slowly make men out of her boys. Seeing her struggle as the years went by and situations worsening, with her getting injured at work and being laid off due to her pain, and my father suddenly stop giving child support, my mother never once let her kids see her cry and would once again never forget to mention in Spanish “Nunca paras de ir a la escuela” meaning never stop going to school. One might say that growing up this way might be too difficult and not adequate for children; however, I argue that this upbringing has only made me stronger as an individual and given me a different perspective on how to view the world around me. I have kept my mother’s words clear in my head this whole way and feel as though this scholarship could help with the huge burden of being able to help pay for school. I hope that with this money I can continue mine and my mother’s dream of continuing in my education.

Joe Magana
Los Angeles, CA

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generous contribution towards my college fund. When I received that call to inform me that I was the December winner, I was beyond ecstatic. You have helped me build the foundation to my college future and for that I am grateful.

I come from a low income family of three: my father, my brother, and myself. Coming from such a difficult background, a divorce, a runaway mother, and living with a single parent, I've been driven to succeed at each and every single obstacle life throws my way. A major goal I've always had was to go to a great college and make for myself what my parents could not achieve. I've always wanted to study pre-med and biochemistry because I have ambitions of becoming a doctor someday. Thank you so much for helping me with these integral first steps towards reaching my goal!

Your contribution has been a great blessing not just to me, but for my family as well. It brings them joy to see that one of us can accomplish receiving a scholarship with hard work, not to mention prayer on the side. It also encourages me to keep applying for more scholarships without that haunting feeling of doubt in myself.

You've given me not only a kind donation to my college fund, but you've also given me the encouragement I needed to keep on working towards my goal.

Sincerely,
Jeidy Navarro

I awaken abruptly in the middle of the night lying next to my brother and my mother in a bed made for one. As I lay there, sweat trickling down my forehead I angrily, bitterly try to think of a single thing in my young life that’s worth fighting for. Poverty, low self-esteem, confusion and public schools have always been a part of my life. I’ve always believed that if you’re not doing something good you can’t complain about something being wrong. Experiencing days with the lights turned off due to lack of payment, nights without food and weeks in confusion has strengthened my desire to go to college so that I will never have to feel like this again for as long as I live. I took a class called judicial systems, where I studied law and dealt with cases concerning domestic violence, robbery, theft and murder. As I watched the same court worthy cases happen on a daily basis in my own neighborhood, it hit me like the summer’s heat on the back of my neck, if I wanted to see change I would have to be it. I decided to become a police officer. My passion for justice and a successful life pushes me every day. My granddad always told me, “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step”. There are moments in life when you know you have crossed a bridge and you know your old life is over. College is my bridge.

Alexandria Carter

High School Senior

Oppression is like a tree which has been spreading its influence throughout America. Its branches reach far and wide; its trunk becomes ever more invincible with each generation living under its shadow. My passion for serving people in urban settings was aroused during my second missions trip to Chicago. Through ministering to the homeless, working alongside prior inmates, and volunteering at a Hispanic Boy’s and Girl’s Club, I encountered firsthand the unjust, broken lives of countless individuals. The trip’s influence was deeply personal, and it drastically altered my future plans. It is now my priority in life to write about urban living and to positively reshape the prominent stereotypes regarding the urban setting. I aspire to pursue a college education in the field of writing. The discoveries I will make and the insight I will gain while attending a university will tremendously benefit my writing. My dream couples my love of the pen with my volunteer experiences in Chicago, Mexico, Toronto, and Washington, D.C. I feel passionate about setting things right in this world, one small act at a time, not for my own benefit, but for the welfare of others. The intricacy of the problems plaguing people in cities is astounding. My plans include living in a poverty-stricken community to root out injustice, such as alcoholism, abuse, and gang violence. It is my career goal to chop down the limbs of oppression’s tree by utilizing my writing talents to expose these urban issues to the public.

Kelsey May

High School Student

     Over the past year, I have made a turnaround in my life.  Uncertainty concerning my future after college contributed to a steady academic decline freshman through sophomore years at UCLA.  But after a trip to Colombia to learn about my heritage and speak with relatives in medicine, it all turned around. It became clear to me that microbiology research was my calling.  Since then, I have maintained high scores and committed to a research lab.  I am set on majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and minoring in Spanish.  My career goal is to attain a Ph.D. in Microbiology or Virology.  A challenge to these goals is paying for education.  My parents and I have buried ourselves in bank and school loans that will keep us burdened well into the future.  The Courage to Grow Scholarship would relieve some of this weight.  I have committed to my community through several projects.  I was involved in the club Invisible Children, which sought to raise awareness and fundraise to provide schools for children in war-torn Northern Uganda.  I felt the need to give the children of Northern Uganda a stronger voice in America.  I left this project to focus on improving my grades during sophomore year.  Now that my life has stabilized, I will be joining a new project focused on tutoring children of inner Los Angeles schools.  I believe that I should be awarded due to my academic improvement, clarity in academic goals, and commitment to my community.

 

Michael Gomez

UCLA

I want college to shed a light of inspiration in the darkness of my uncertainty. The only long-term goal I have ever been certain of is to avoid waking up one day, in college or already graduated, to find that I dislike the life I am living. I want my education to provide the foundation that I need to live a convivial and propitious life that will give me pride and ultimately benefit others.

As a high school senior, I am looking at colleges that will ensure a successful future and am applying for scholarships that will decrease lofty tuition costs. I am a dedicated High-honor Roll student involved in National Junior Classical League, National Honor Society, PEERs, show choir, and am a club officer for Teens 4 ProLife. National Honor Society requires substantial academic merit and encourages me to help my community any way that I can. I have volunteered for a Rockin' For Riley [Children's Hospital] fundraiser, helped my choir director from middle school run choir performances, volunteered child care and yard services, hosted and volunteered at show choir competitions, sung in my church's youth choir, and much more. Also, as a member of PEERs I advocate abstinence from drugs, sex, and alcohol at local middle schools.

However, even with extracurricular activities and a part-time job, tuition costs are still intimidating. My mother is a breast cancer survivor, and expensive medical bills have caused painful debt. Money is not everything, but education is. This scholarship would help immensely.

Allison Borthwick

The majority of my life I felt alone. My family was less than stable, and I rarely knew where I would wake up in the morning. I faced abuse and separation from my brother and sister. I bounced around different places and lived with different people, ending up in the foster care system with my little brother. Without much support, I decided that inner strength would be all I could rely on.

During high school I learned that anything is possible if you believe in yourself. I was constantly being told that my future was dim and my options were limited. I refused to believe that your past must dictate your future. I continued to persevere knowing that true determination is rewarded. This is not to say that life was not difficult at times. Living in a strange home with little resources for continuing my education could be discouraging, but I would not give up. With my inner strength as a constant source of courage, I held my head high.

Now, as I shape my own future I know that my desire is to help others that feel alone. I want to be a counselor or guardian ad litem for children who are in the similar situations that I faced. I know that hope can be found in the darkest places with people who believe in you, and belief in yourself. I feel I should be awarded this scholarship because sometimes courage and a little hope is all you have.

Bailey Belanger
Auburn University

I want to be a teacher. That being said, I am going to one of the top (and most expensive) universities in the country to be a teacher. To be a GOOD teacher.

I've had a gift for teaching since I was a small child, when I often helped others to learn dance steps because I learned quickly, was patient, and had high hopes for people who did not have those hopes for themselves. I am an Irish dancer; I am a student; I am a teacher.

I do not dare to say that I deserve this scholarship more than anyone else, but I will admit that I desperately need it. My dream of becoming a great, inspiring, effective teacher may never come about without scholarships to help me pay for a good education. My father is unemployed, and has been for 7 months now. With my mother being our only source of income, feeding our family of 6 has become a daily struggle. Without scholarships, I may never inspire students.I may never change hundreds of young lives for the better.

My parents can only help me so much, and they have already sacrificed more than I could ever ask of anyone. I may not be the most deserving of this scholarship, but I need it. Thank you for holding this scholarship; even if I don't win, contests like these remain a source of hope for thousands of college students, including myself.

Maria Grekowicz
University of Michigan

The older I get, the smaller I become. What I mean by this is, as time passes by and I mature, I become further and further in awe at this enormity of this world. With the number of opportunities and possibilities there are out there, trying to pick out the best one would be like trying to find the best shell on a beach. Not only are there too many to count but there is also all of the shells that you cannot see, buried under the sand and scattered in the distance, waiting to be found. It's unfathomable. With this knowledge, it is easy to make the mistake of limiting your view to what's right in front of you and on the surface, but you risk missing out on something truly amazing.

My point is that we should not be close-minded and miss out on all of the things life has to offer. Now I may not know exactly what my path is in this jungle we call life, but my compass is open and I know the direction that I am heading down. It may not be the easiest or the safest path but I have the two tools that I would need to brave it: the will to continue even when I want to give up and the belief in myself that I can and will reach the end of this path and that I deserve what waits for me at the end of it.

Jodell Cox
University of Florida

Academic growth has never been a large obstacle. I was the valedictorian of my high school graduating class of about 400 students, have received the maximum score, on nine AP tests, and have maintained a 4.0 through my first semester at Washington State University toward a degree in Chemical Engineering.

Unfortunately, investing in education requires significant resources on top of time and dedication, resources that I am struggling to acquire. My sister, Rebecca, decided to attend graduate school at the same time as I started at WSU, my brother, Joshua, has autism and requires significant aid, and finally, my dad lost his job as a result of the recent economic downturn. These realities have forced a very difficult adjustment for my family over the last year. Even so, I have done my best to help my community rather than focus solely on money.

Over just the last school year I have coached a math team at one local middle school, tutored students at another middle school, helped high school students in danger of dropping out learn necessary math skills, and volunteered at an emergency crisis hot-line, all as part of an Americorps service contract. That is why scholarships such as this one are so vital in supporting me toward my simultaneous goal of receiving a great education and giving back to my community. I would greatly appreciate and honor the opportunity that this scholarship would give me continue aiding the community and myself. Thank you.

David Finkel
Washington State University

I want to be a licensed art therapist because I see a great need for creative counseling services for people suffering from loss, grief, and depression. I believe art therapy can be particularly effective for young people who might not benefit from talking about their experiences, but might grow and heal through making art. Both my father and sister died of cancer when I was young. I was able to process these difficult experiences with a therapist, and I also came to deeply respect the mental health profession.

My dream came true when I was admitted to Antioch University's Art Therapy program. I have a solid educational background with a BA from the Colorado College that prepares me for the rigors of graduate work. I am currently taking prerequisite coursework at Shoreline Community College. I support myself without financial assistance from family, and need scholarship funds and student loans to cover living costs while in graduate school. I am passionate about volunteering in Seattle. I tutor homeless teens working on their GED once a week at the Orion Center. I also co-organize an art club at the Secondary Bilingual Education Center where we aim to create an inviting environment for recently immigrated children to explore art materials and express themselves visually.

I am a committed student and contribute my love of the arts and positive mental health to the community. I have the added benefit of diverse life and work experiences that will make me an effective art therapist.

Rachel Duncan
Antioch University

Continuing my education will help me obtain a career and provide for my family. In addition to a career, acquiring my educational goals will give me a vehicle to use my talents to contribute to my community and society. I will use my failures and successes to improve the lives of others; so they might benefit from the trials and tribulations I have endured. This would ensure that my experiences were not in vain. I believe I can be a role model for young women who have faced or will face similar circumstances. I returned to school to provide my children with an example of "œreal" success because showing them is more powerful than telling them. I have three sons and in the African American community, education isn't deemed a priority for young men. The media has convinced young men that money equals success and if they desire success; they should be rappers or athletes. Success isn't easy or quick; it's hard work and sometimes a person fails, but one shouldn't be afraid of failure. When people are afraid of failure, then they are afraid to try. This limits success because success is working through failure. In short, success takes courage. Mickey Rooney once said, "œYou always pass failure on the way to success." This is a lesson that I have learned from life and a lesson I want my children to learn. I ask the committee to consider my future aspirations and not my past hardships in their decision.

Kanoi McMillion
Heald College

Growing up some of the common adjectives that would describe the men in my family would be alcoholics, drug abusers, mental illness, criminal backgrounds, and poverty. These words are normal in my eyes and are a way of life. The children in my family have had very few positive male role models to look up to. I have decided to break the trend of negative role models in my family because I know there is a better option for me. I understand that we live in a world of possibilities and those old familiar trends of negative role models in my family can and will be broken by me.

I plan to do something different and positive with my life and stop the mediocrity and start a new movement of excellence in the family. There is one man who I can say is a man of strength, who has a hard work ethic, lives with integrity, and took care of his family. This man is my grandfather and role model. He is the one who took care of us when our mother had to work and he is the one that taught us the value of a dollar. I believe one of the best decisions I can make is to attend college and get a good education so I can fulfill my role as the example of a positive black man not only for my family but for men who have been pre-determined to fail.

Tyler Seawood
High School Senior

Watching my daughter tie her shoestrings together in an attempt to lengthen them and my son putting cardboard between the sole of his shoe so his foot won't scrape against the asphalt, breaks my heart. I think of how selfish I am for wanting to finish my education and better myself so I can provide for my family. I think of how I should have done that when they were younger, or before I had them. I made a lot of thoughtless decisions in my life, though I do not regret them, I wish I would have listened to my parents. I struggle with my education, not because I am not intelligent enough to understand the curriculum but it is because of finances. My children need shoes, clothes, food, shelter and most of all me. I am always under-stress and focused on how I can clothe my babes or pay the car payment. One bill always suffers every month, they get paid but for once I would LOVE to have a month where I can give my all to my education and my children. I am a better student and mother when I do not have to worry about money. My face is clearer, I can breathe and I get a whole nights sleep. My education will be more enlightening than just papers to get in on time. I believe I should be awarded this scholarship because it will solidify my dedication to my degree. THANK-YOU for your consideration.

Donna Hall
Institute of American Indian Arts

After listening to my parents describe their escape from Communists in the 1960s and experiencing a life of poverty, I can admit life is certainly difficult. The title "Courage to Grow" speaks for itself. Coming from a poverty-stricken childhood, I believe I am a person that has the courage to grow towards my full potential in a way that could revolutionize my family's life for generations to come.

Because my parents have sacrificed their time and effort to put food on the table and provide me with the supplies I need to do the best in school, I have proven to be a bright student. Because I have experienced drastic setbacks (losing textbooks and calculators from those who were willing to steal them) that took weeks for me to mentally recover, in addition to, overcoming fatigue from weekly "all- nighters" because of a large workload, I am definitely prepared to overcome the greatest hardships I may witness in the future.

Furthermore, if I were to describe myself today, I view myself as friendly, humble, mature, and focused on what I want to be in the future. Although I do not possess many leadership roles, I inspire my classmates because I am a person who shows, not tells, others what it takes to succeed. My demeanor has given me "the most likely to succeed" tag, which I accept as I strive to become an outstanding ophthalmologist.

I am one who not only needs this scholarship, but fully represents the "Courage to Grow".

Anthony Chao
High School Senior - La Puente, CA

I grew up in a cabin on twenty acres of land among the mountains. My parents planned to live in it temporarily while my dad built a house sufficient enough to raise a family in. Those plans were soon forgotten when they divorced. My father moved away leaving my mom to raise three children in an unfinished cabin. Our main source of power was six 12-volt batteries which were charged by solar panels. A generator served as emergency backup because my mom couldn't afford to buy gas for it regularly. The cabin was heated by a wood stove. Every summer we split and stacked the wood needed for the following winter. To conserve water, we used water from the bathtub to flush the toilet. When the septic tank got full we hiked into the woods with a shovel until we could afford to have it pumped. Continually struggling for money, we grew up without most of the material possessions that our friends took for granted. Yet what I perceived as disadvantages growing up, I now see as intangibles added to my character that I could not attain with any other situation. Growing up as a child on the bare minimum has given me an understanding of the importance of hard work. As a young adult I hold the convictions and morals it takes to be successful in life and attribute these qualities to the example my mom set and the cabin that gave me more than I could ever imagine.

Selah West
Central Washington University