2009-2010 Scholars
Cowboy Spirit: Battle of the Bands 2009 funded eight student scholarships. Below are the stories of seven of these students.
 |
"It is remarkable that students are raising funds for other students to finish school. I am honored that I have been chosen for this scholarship."
Stephanie BowenHometown: Newcastle, Okla. Major: Agricultural Communications Graduation Date: May 2011 |
Stephanie loves being a college student and soaking up all OSU has to offer. From athletic events and homecoming to making memories and lifetime friendships, she says she can't imagine a better college experience.
"I chose OSU because of the atmosphere on campus and the friendly nature of everyone," Stephanie says.
Her first impression of Oklahoma State was reaffirmed in the fall of 2009 when she received the Cowboy Spirit Scholarship thanks to the generosity of her peers. Now Stephanie can continue her education debt free, bringing her one step closer to her dream of opening her own public relations or advertising agency.
"It is remarkable that students are raising funds for other students to finish school," Stephanie says. "I am honored that I have been chosen for this scholarship. It obviously shows the kind of students we have on this campus."
Nick, like other OSU students, has a big dream. His lifelong ambition is to travel to Africa and help people fight for justice, but before he gets on the plane, he's getting his OSU education.
"OSU has a really good engineering program, which most of the other schools I looked at didn’t have," Nick says. "The thing I like most about being an OSU student is the opportunity to get involved around campus in so many different ways."
At OSU, he has taken advantage of every opportunity to lead and serve others while making his education a priority, which made him the perfect candidate for the Cowboy Spirit Scholarship. Because of this scholarship, Nick can now do even more to prepare himself for life after college.
"You will get out of your college experience everything that you put in, so I want to make the most of the time I have here. The scholarship does so much for me in terms of, if nothing else, a peace of mind that others, even my peers, are here to help me, and I can turn to them if I’m ever struggling."
Michael feels most at home when he's in the great outdoors. This passion lead him to the wildlife management program at OSU.
"Everything about this place is awesome," Michael says. "Its hard to nail down my favorite part, but access to one of the biggest most elaborate recreation centers in the country ranks right up there."
With hobbies like rock climbing, bird hunting, fishing, golf and playing guitar, Michael needs all the extra income he can get. The Cowboy Spirit Scholarship made college a little more affordable so he could continue doing what he loves.
"Scholarships are the only and I mean ONLY way that I’m able to attend college. I thank those who gave for understanding the position of the struggling college student and doing what they can to help. "
Carrie knew she would be able to excel at OSU because of the campus atmosphere, and all of the opportunities to get involved.
"The thing I enjoy the most about being an OSU student is the feeling that I am part of something bigger than just me," Carrie said. "I truly feel part of a community, and it is wonderful to see your community making a difference everyday."
Her lifelong ambition is to become a mixed practicing veterinarian, working alongside her mother in the vet clinic the family owns in Ponca City. The clinic started in 1946 and when Carrie joins the team, it will be a third generation family-run clinic.
"For me, the OSU Student Foundation Cowboy Spirit Scholarship means lessening the burden on my family financially and aiding me on my way to independence," Carrie says.
A favor she hopes to repay soon by making an impact on students' lives, just the way they've impacted her life.
Sebastian considers himself blessed because thanks to scholarships, he has not had to go into debt to pay for his OSU education.
"This scholarship represents the generosity and concern of OSU students for each other," Sebastian said. "It shows me how much they are willing to help their own achieve success and how encouraging they are towards students that excel. Honestly, the idea that students, who also have to pay bills, tuition, and other expenses, would give money to aid fellow students was totally unexpected."
Sebastian chose OSU because of its math program as well as the opportunities available to students. His dream is to become an actuary, analyzing the financial impact of risk and uncertainty. His OSU degree will help him achieve this dream, and he would like to thank those who have helped him along the way.
"Thank you for contributing to my education and my efforts to better myself and my life," Sebastian says. "Though my finances are still tight at the moment, this scholarship has inspired me to consider giving back to my fellow students."
When Austin graduates, he'll return to the classroom as a high school teacher and coach. He'll use the education he gains at OSU to inspire the youth of tomorrow.
"I enjoy being a part of an institution that is pursuing excellence in many different areas," Austin says. "With countless chances to get involved in the school, I feel I can contribute to that sort of excellence by committing my best effort to an organization or program."
The Cowboy Spirit Scholarship has allowed him to continued his involvement on campus.
"With such financial aid, I am able to concentrate more on college and all it offers rather than my financial position," Austin says. "In doing so, I can commit more time to my intellectual, social, spiritual and mental maturity."
|
"This scholarship helps me stay at the place I love because being an out-of-state student gets expensive." Anna Trice |
Anna's greatest passion in life is helping others, which is probably why she enjoys psychology. The Texan first came to OSU to watch her brother, a Baylor Bear, play football.
"I fell in love with the campus, and everyone was very nice here," Anna says.
Her first impression was proved right when she received the Cowboy Spirit Scholarship, thanks to the generosity of her peers. Out-of-state tuition is expensive, and Anna says any amount of financial aid makes a big difference. Experiencing the generosity of others, makes her even more eager to give back.
"I love giving back in small ways because they can add up to make a difference," Anna says.