Christina's story in her own words: As a small child, I always loved the idea of growing up to become an elementary school teacher. I believe this is because my elementary school teachers had the biggest influence in my life, and I would be honored to influence others how those teachers influenced me. I am a firm believer that teaching is the most important profession there is. Although many other professions are extremely important, even the best doctors, lawyers, and astronauts had to be taught by someone. So it starts with teachers. I chose to attend Georgia Southern University because of their outstanding education program and the community. I've always wanted to attend a school that has full support from the surrounding communities, and I found happiness here at GSU. In the future, I plan to use my dual certification in early childhood and special education to teach in a small city. I would also like the experience of teaching on a military base. I would also like to eventually return to school and pursue my master's degree in an area concentrated on early childhood and/or special education. I would like to move forward to get my doctoral degree in an education concentrated area. I plan to teach and change lives until I am not able to teach anymore.

What the support means to her: This scholarship means so much to me! I am extremely grateful for the people who felt that I deserved this scholarship, and I will keep growing and continue moving forward in school. I am currently a dual Early Childhood and Special Education major. I enjoy my classes the most here at Georgia Southern. I feel that I have the greatest professors on this side of the world, and I am so grateful for the time and effort they dedicate to all their students. I also enjoy the atmosphere here at GSU. I always feel safe, and there's always something to do. I am a part of Tau Sigma National Honor Society, and I enjoy the organization very much. The people in this organization make it fun, and I am honored to be a part of that. After I graduate, I would like to attend grad school at Savannah State University to get a master's degree in Social Work. Then I intend to teach part-time as a Special Education or ESOL support teacher while being a clinical social worker in the United States Air Force. I love working with children, and I am so excited to be a teacher and clinical social worker. I believe I can be the change for my students that my former teachers were for me! I appreciate them greatly for giving me a proper and exciting educational experience.

Eliana's story:

 

My parents met in Chicago which is where I grew up until the age of six when we moved to Statesboro, Georgia. I attended a private school in Statesboro where I eventually graduated Valedictorian of my class. During elementary school my aunt attended Georgia Southern's Nursing Program. She would bring me to events such as Arts Fest at Sweetheart Circle and that is when my love for Georgia Southern first started. Her passion for GSU is what convinced me to attend this University. The idea of a large campus with a small feel has made me feel like I am at home and that I can truly make an impact on the people around me while I am here. During high school my father pushed me to be the best I could possibly be and get involved in extracurricular activities that I enjoyed. He taught me the importance of balancing my time and going beyond my comfort zone.  

 

The reason I chose the field of Nursing is because I want to make a difference in as many people's lives that I can. I have seen so many individuals with health issues and if I become a nurse I could help people anywhere in the world. My relatives, many who are nurses, have told me many times that it is their job to mediate between the doctor and the patient. It is the doctor's job to treat the patient's ailments. but it is a nurse's job to care for the patient as well as their family. I know that Nursing requires dedication and hard work but in the end, its people's lives that you are changing and that, is my ultimate goal in life. My goal after Georgia Southern University is to work as a travel nurse for a couple years and eventually get accepted into the Nursing Anesthesia Masters Program at Augusta University. 

What the support means to her:

 

I have been able to improve my leadership skills through the Southern Leaders Organization which I plan to stay in throughout the rest of my time in college. My time working with other students to provide for underprivileged kids, both internationally and domestically, has allowed me to make many friends and understand how much the world needs exceptional nurses. The classes that I have taken have given me a passion to not only learn how to provide quality care for a patient but also to prioritize the individual as a person. After graduation I hope to work for a couple years, perhaps as a travel nurse, then go back to school and get my Masters as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist at Augusta University. I am beyond appreciative to have this opportunity and your generous contribution will never be forgotten. Thank you again for making this possible..  

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