“It was nearly 25 years ago that I applied for college financial aid, but I vividly remember how critical it felt to secure scholarships and ease the financial burden. I recall writing my thank-you note each year and bringing it to the Foundation office. At the time, it felt like a small way to express my gratitude. Reflecting back, it’s hard for a young person to fully understand how taking on debt can impact them for years. It wasn’t until much later that I truly grasped the significance of receiving a college scholarship, and for that, I’m incredibly grateful.
A scholarship doesn't just change the life of the recipient, it has a ripple effect. Setting up a scholarship fund that helps students for years to come is a powerful way to leave a legacy and change lives.
Thanks in part to receiving a CFWNC scholarship, I attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where I graduated from the Hussman School of Journalism and Media. Going to Carolina opened many doors for me, and receiving a partial scholarship helped make that possible. Coming full circle, I recently started working for a scholarship fund at my alma mater. I now have the great honor of building community among alumni and scholars, allowing me to spend every day with thoughtful, interesting, and generous people.
I believe it’s human nature to need community and to feel compelled to care for others. In my day-to-day life, I try to find ways to support the programs and people who nourish our communities. No amount of time or money is too small to make a difference.
If I were to offer advice to a student today, it would be this: don’t get stuck trying to make the “right” decision. There are many right decisions, and even the wrong one can lead you down a path toward something interesting. I would encourage students to be open to receiving help. Welcome guidance on navigating systems and networking. Always respond to people and thank them for their time. Thoughtful connections make a big difference.
I’ve worked in fundraising in one capacity or another since 2007. This role has given me the privilege of viewing gifts from multiple perspectives. Some of my favorite conversations have been with donors who made a gift and then experienced the joy of hearing from the recipient about how that gift changed their life. I’ve hoped to reconnect with my donor to share my gratitude and let them know that their support helped lay the foundation for a life of continued philanthropy and advocacy for higher education.”