<b>Thursday, January 31, 2013</b>
Today, two students' lives will change forever. I know mine did! It has been 10 years since I was honored and named a 2003 Wichita State University Gore Scholar and I am forever grateful for the opportunity to have received the scholarship.
All day yesterday, I had the pleasure of interviewing the Top 10 finalists in the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational competition. I found out that they had a record number of more than 400 students participate in the DSI to compete for two $48,000 Gore Scholarships.
While I was interviewing these finalists, I reflected back on what the scholarship meant to me.
Being named a Gore Scholar meant that for my undergraduate career, my family and I would not be burdened by financial demands of getting a college education. It also meant that I would join a select group of individuals who have received full scholarships to attend WSU since 1954. Above all, it meant that I would be a lifelong Shocker and learn from wonderful faculty, at a university that is a true gem in our community.
While listening to the young leaders, I also got a renewed sense of hope for our future. These high school students are ten times more socially aware and connected then we were. They are not only intelligent, they are well spoken, and they care about others. I was so energized from them because I could sense their purpose, drive, and passion. I must say that it was a difficult task to choose only two scholars from a group of great candidates.
As two new Gore Scholars are announced today, I want to give a few thanks to the people who have helped me in my journey.
