Scholarship Impact Stories

Your scholarship donations make such a difference in the lives of our students, as you'll discover when you read these excerpts from essays and thank-you notes written by our scholarship recipients:

Without a scholarship I am worried that I will not be able to afford to continue classes, and I am so close it would be heartbreaking to have to stop now.

— Julie A.

For as long as I can remember I’ve been working to make ends meet. For the past four years I’ve successfully balanced working full time with high school…maintaining a 4.6 GPA while saving enough money for college. That is until my dad lost his job. …my college savings [helped my family get by] and now I do not have enough money saved to pay for college. But I do have a dream. I desire to make a difference in people’s lives, and becoming a paramedic firefighter completes my dream. ...Ever since 343 firefighters gave their lives on September 11th [when I was ten years old] I’ve known that I was born for this career. I hope to start Paramedic school in the near future… I can’t thank you enough for this opportunity to honor those who came before me. In the end I never chose this profession…it chose me.

— Ben D.

I really do have great dreams for the future and I feel like I can accomplish so much.

— Lucas D.

There will always be a million excuses why you shouldn’t pursue your dream. For me most were related to money.

— Katherine G.

I am determined to be the first [in my family] to attend and maybe only one to graduate from college and achieve my dreams. I dream of getting my degree in business then furthering my education in culinary school [so I can] open and manage my own bakery.

— Rachel B.

This scholarship will greatly support my dream [of becoming a registered nurse].

— Elizabeth B.

I also have big goals and dreams that I am determined to accomplish. Through opportunities like the [WCC] Foundation Scholarship I can fulfill my dreams.

— Staci J .

I plan to work for a multinational enterprise, like Coca-Cola or Google. I will make full use of the opportunities given to me, and I will do whatever is necessary to make my dreams become reality.

— Alberto B.

I want to be a nurse more than anything, but life’s responsibilities have always stopped me from pursing my dream. Being awarded this scholarship would change my life.

— Stephanie B.

I wish to make a difference in the world. I want to help people, especially kids and young adults with diabetes. My main goal is to stay in school for as long as it takes, whatever it takes, to eventually become a Registered Dietician. My future is extremely important to me, and with patience and fortitude, I will one day fulfill my dream of working in the medical field. I recognize [this scholarship] as a blessing and a privilege. I truly appreciate the financial help.

— Fernando C.

The day before I was notified of this honor my family was evicted from our house. Financial problems have cast a shadow on my education….This struggle was lifted when I heard of the scholarship. The money you have granted me will help me come back to college. Thank you so much. You have answered my prayers, and I cannot tell you how much this means to me!

— Mallory S.

With the cost of college, the economy, cut backs at work…it is harder than ever. I feel that school is my only way out. I will do anything to get through school and keep my home over the next few years knowing there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Thank you for giving me this opportunity.

— Tanya W.

Ever since my freshman year (in high school) I’ve worked to help my family pay the bills. Now I don’t have to worry as much about paying for school.

— anonymous

(With) the diagnosis of epilepsy of my daughter I took a medical leave from work and ultimately decided not to return in order to care for her. Eventually (my six children) and I were evicted. Although this was one obstacle with numerous effects, my children encouraged me to continue in school. They understood the long term effects of mommy getting a degree and the benefits that came with it. Thank you for looking beyond my obstacles and seeing my determination (and) dedication.

— anonymous

Times have been rough in my life recently and in addition to that I was laid off from job in December 2008. I am trying to further my education in order to start a new, fresh and rewarding life and career…This will go a long way to helping me achieve my dreams. I am also the mother of four and I feel great pride that my children are seeing me continue my education.

— anonymous