In Their Own Words

Every year, the University of New Hampshire awards need-based and merit scholarships to thousands of students. For some, the scholarship is the difference between going—and not going—to college. For others, it is just enough of an extra boost to make their full participation in academic life possible. Below are excerpts from letters written by students to their donors. It is perhaps “in their own words” which best documents the impact of an endowed scholarship.

 

“I grew up in Paterson, New Jersey. It was not the easiest place to grow up. Of my group of “friends” growing up, a handful is in jail, most never graduated high school and NONE of them went to college. Growing up, my family never had a lot of money. We lived in the same two-bedroom apartment and I shared the same small room with my younger sister for 18 years. I am the first person in my entire family to go to college. Unquestionably something to be proud of for sure, but if it wasn’t for the Ed Fish Football Scholarship, I would have been just another guy like my friends and would not have had the chance to attend any college, never mind this one. Instead I am a proud alum of the University of New Hampshire. I personally want to thank Mr. Fish for being an integral yet quiet part of the reason I have made my mom and dad so proud and put myself in a position to succeed in the game of life.”
 

“I’m writing to express my sincere gratitude. The Winchester R. Wood Scholarship has helped me further my education, knowing I am financially secure and my family is not burdened by my ambitions. Your charity has helped me reflect a little bit on the goals I’ve set out to accomplish at the start of my college career. It’s reaffirmed my belief in the wholesome goodness that people have to offer and it has allowed me to better choose the kind of person I would like to become in the future. My mother was diagnosed with cancer and passed away during the middle of my first semester.. I think your generous award embodies that same giving spirit in which my mom believed so strongly. I will put your gift to good use, and make it part of my mission in life to give back to someone in need, as you have done for me and for others.”
 

“I would like to express my deep gratitude for granting me the Kenneth J. Higson Scholarship. I would like to think that this honor is a testament to my hard work throughout all my years in school. I hope one day I will also be able to help students achieve their dreams of attending college. Thank you very much.”
 

“I was the recipient of the Harry L. Farnham Memorial Scholarship. I just want to take a moment to tell you how grateful I am. A year ago, I was a mess. I had gotten into some trouble and things were looking pretty bleak. I took a semester off from school to collect my thoughts, and decided to start putting all the effort that was getting me nowhere into something positive. This scholarship is a sign, I am sure, that I am finally on the right track, and for that I am eternally grateful.” 
 

“I am writing this letter to express my sincere gratitude for making the Charlie George Scholarship possible. Learning is precious to me. Supporting students and helping them realize that college is a possibility is also precious. I want to put smiles on students’ faces and hope in their eyes, as you did for me. In this world of ours, education is so important. As a leader of tomorrow and a native of Nigeria, I understand that all too well now. I have witnessed young potentials that have been wasted because their parents could not afford to send them to college. I assure you I will make the best of the support that you have given to me.”  
 

I am a hydrology major, a resident of New Hampshire, and a recipient of the John and Rose Mendelson Kurtz Scholarship Fund. I intend to take my education in ground water into the world with a mission of developing safe drinking water sources for thousands of people. My first step in approaching this goal is through education, a hurdle you have been very generous in assisting me with….Keep an eye on the news, you will certainly hear of water woes in the near future, and you will know that through this scholarship, you are making a big difference in this major issue.”
 

“I am one of the recipients of the Leroy F. Johnson Scholarship. This is the second year I have received the award and it has made a huge impact on my life. My parents were never wealthy, and when I call home I know the troubled economy has affected them. That’s why I am proud to take financial responsibility for my own education. Thank you for helping to make my college experience more than just hard work and struggling. I will always remember and appreciate your generosity.”