I was sitting in a school board meeting, nearing the end of my senior year, when I received a phone call that I didn’t know would change my whole life experience. Applying for the Catch a Break!scholarship felt just like every other application I filled out; I was searching for someone to invest in my education. However, what I received from the Catch a Break! Scholarship Program was much more than that.
Through Catch A Break!, I have been so incredibly fortunate to be provided with college funding, a support system, mentors in academics and life, networking connections, and most of all, friends. My experience has allowed me to confidently go through school knowing there are others backing my decisions and supporting my every endeavor.
A scholarship through Catch a Break! isn’t just about the finances; it’s about the connections. With two other scholars studying at my University, we have made friendships and support systems through this common connection. The professional mentors in this program have been nothing but helpful and encouraging. After our first group meeting, I was emailing one mentor in regards to her career path in Psychology. She cleared up a lot of my questions and concerns, and even encouraged me to take a few classes she suggested might be interesting to me. Luckily, through this connection and those classes, I found an incredible interest and am now even majoring in Psychology!
Looking back on my initial interview for Catch a Break, I had never been so nervous in my whole life. However, the welcoming atmosphere accompanied by smiles and genuineness allowed me to open up and show the mentors my true self. They accepted me for who I am, they encouraged my interests and drive to learn, and most of all, they were invested and interested in ME! Knowing there is a group of individuals behind me in my educational career is an unreal experience. Through Catch a Break!, I have become confident, excited to learn, and open to new experiences. I’ve created a desire to share such experiences and resources with other individuals, just as Catch a Break! has done for me!