Note: This message was originally sent on November 26, 2019
In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we offer these brief reflections from current students sharing how their lives have been changed thanks to the generosity of GU’s donors. How lucky are we (and these students) to be met – each day – with passionate, dedicated faculty and staff who so creatively bring to life our Mission. What a partnership…..students, benefactors, faculty and staff! Enjoy…
“I am the youngest child of two immigrant, Filipino parents who went to great lengths to seek a better life for me and my older brother. At this moment, I am a nursing major and ROTC cadet. I hope to one day become a nurse for the US Army and, in a sense, give back to the country which has given me and my family so many opportunities. What this scholarship means to me is another chance to continue pursuing my goals and to maintain the opportunities which have been set before me. The door opened for me by my parents is kept opened because of your support. I could never thank you enough.”
- Dom, Nursing Major, Class of 2021
“Not only am I a nontraditional student, but I am a husband, father, and a veteran. I have been married for 8 incredible years to my amazing wife. I have two beautiful daughters. I served in the United States Navy for 6 years as a nuclear electrician’s mate. I am hoping to provide a better life for my family. This scholarship means the world to me and my family. It isn’t easy trying to go back to school after serving in the military. I would argue that it is even more difficult to return to school as a parent. Every dollar goes toward peace of mind. Now I can focus on my work and doing well so I can graduate on time in April 2020 and start giving back to my community. Thank you so much.”
- Sean, Class of 2020, Electrical Engineering Major
“I am from Missoula, Montana, where I have lived my entire life, and love to do anything outdoors. I also enjoy running and am on the cross country and track team at Gonzaga. I have a twin sister, who attends the United States Air Force Academy and runs track and cross country there, as well as two step siblings, who are fraternal twins. I also have four dogs and a goldfish at home. Upon completing my undergraduate degree in biochemistry, I plan to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a pediatric oncologist and to return to Montana, where there is not a solid pediatric oncology system in place. I chose Gonzaga mostly due to the strong academic reputation here, but also because when I visited I immediately felt like I was home and where I belonged. I did not feel even close to the same way when I visited everywhere else, and therefore knew Gonzaga was the right choice for me. Thank you so much for this scholarship, I cannot even express how much it means to me. Without this scholarship I would not have been able to attend Gonzaga, and I absolutely love it here and know it is where I belong. It is completely due to this scholarship that I am here.”
- Makenna, Class of 2023, Biochemistry Major
“I am a sophomore this fall at Gonzaga. I come from Billings, Montana where I was raised in a family of three sisters, one who is also a sophomore at Gonzaga. I am majoring in biochemistry in preparation for graduate school. I am also in the Honors Program. On campus, I am involved in a research lab in which I am synthesizing chalcones. I am also the events coordinator for Gonzaga Environmental Organization. Finally, I am in the Social Justice and Solidarity LLC in Kennedy, and I volunteer weekly through Science in Action. I am so incredibly grateful for this scholarship. As one of three students in my family currently attending college, the prospect of attending a private university like Gonzaga was daunting for my family. Yet with the support of generous donors to Gonzaga University, my family and I are able to afford a Jesuit education which focuses on both academics and social justice.”
- Paloma, Class of 2022, Biochemistry Major