Last weekend, the Miller College of Business had its annual scholarship awards brunch, where scholarship recipients and donors are recognized. The event’s speakers discussed both sides of a scholarship: giving and receiving. As the donors spoke, I understood what it means to give back to a university that’s made such a difference in your life. As the students spoke about what it means to receive a scholarship, I found myself reflecting on what that means in my own life.
My scholarship was ultimately what led me to Ball State and the Miller College of Business. As a Miller Scholar, I receive tuition and fees, a laptop, a study abroad stipend, and more. These benefits were instrumental in deciding where to attend school.
Today, they still make a difference for me. Without my scholarship, paying for school would be easier said than done – college isn’t cheap! I also never would have had the opportunity to spend two weeks on a study abroad in Europe this summer. That alone was a once in a lifetime experience, provided by the generosity of my donors. And I know these benefits are just beginning, as there are many more to come throughout college and my future career.
I really should stop and think more often about how much of a difference my donors have made in my life. They didn’t know who I would be, yet they provided the money for my scholarship that allows me to attend school so I will one day have a successful career. What an incredible act of generosity.
It’s no wonder some of the donors that spoke at the awards brunch had once been students who had received scholarships as well. Maybe one day I’ll have the opportunity to pass along the generosity that I’ve received too.
