We're celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Delta Community Credit Union Scholarship by looking back on our former scholarship recipients to see where their academic, professional and personal paths have led.
For the second part of our follow up series, we're checking in with our 2014 scholarship recipients. In the profiles below, our 2014 scholarship winners share their latest adventures, their future plans and the impact of the Delta Community Scholarship on their lives.
Brianna
Brianna studying abroad in Spain
Name: Brianna Berry
School: University of Louisville
Major: Psychology and Music, Minor in Spanish
Academic Honors: Brianna is part of the Honors Scholars Program at the University of Louisville, which recognizes students for their academic achievements. She has been on the Dean’s List for two consecutive semesters and is also a Delta Scholarship Fund Scholarship recipient.
Where is she now: Currently, Brianna is studying abroad for a semester in San Sebastián, Spain. In addition to taking Spanish classes, she is participating in a homestay program and teaching English at two local schools.
Community Involvement: Since beginning college, Brianna has completed more than 100 hours of service. As a member of Alpha Omicron Pi Sorority, she regularly volunteers with the Arthritis Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Brianna is also an active volunteer with the Kentucky Humane Society and the University of Louisville chapter of Pencils of Promise.
Post-Graduation Plans: After graduating from the University of Louisville in spring 2018, Brianna plans to continue her education in an Occupational Therapy or Psychology graduate program.
“The Delta Community Scholarship helped me because it took some of the financial burden off my shoulders and allowed me to focus more on my studies. It also provided me with some of the funding for my current study abroad experience.”
Lauren
Lauren is an active member of the Georgetown community
Name: Lauren Smith
School: Georgetown University
Major: Government and Sociology, Minor in Justice & Peace Studies
On Campus: For two consecutive years, Lauren has been elected to the Georgetown University College Academic Council. She also sits on the executive board of the Minority Pre-Law Association and the Black Student Alliance. In her free time, Lauren participates in Groove Theory and Movements of Grace, two student-run dance groups.
Community Service: Lauren volunteers as a Kids2College facilitator and teaches lessons on college preparation at middle schools in Washington D.C. She also serves as a Georgetown University site leader for campus-wide days of service.
Professional Development: Her freshman year, Lauren worked as an intern in Washington D.C. at the Children’s Defense Fund, which ignited a passion for securing rights and resources for children. Currently, Lauren works with the After School Kids program, an organization that provides court involved youth with tutoring, mentorship and empowerment.
What's Next: Lauren plans to attend law school after graduating from Georgetown University in spring 2018. In the future, she would like to start a non-profit organization geared towards child advocacy and equity.
“Thanks to the Delta Community Scholarship I was able to purchase my first laptop. I can trace my ease with note taking in class, capacity to complete assignments, and ability to write papers all to the scholarship. Without the financial burden of worrying about a laptop, I am able to focus on being the best student I can be and eventually achieve my goals.”
Moises
Matthew is in his sophomore year at Auburn University
Name: Moises Escobar
School: Auburn University
Major: Chemical Engineering
Campus Life: Currently, Moises works as a Resident Assistant in Auburn University’s Athletic Dorm. He also works part time as an Athletic Recruiter. Moises is an active member of Delta Tau Delta Fraternity and was recently elected as his chapter’s Director of Academics.
Where can you find him: Moises enjoys playing on the Delta Tau Delta intramural tennis team. This summer he will be working as an intern in Environmental, Health and Safety department at Yamaha Motors.
Future Plans: After he graduates from Auburn University in spring 2018, Moises plans to attend medical school and become a doctor.
“The Delta Community Scholarship helped me attend Auburn for my undergraduate degree, which is the first step in achieving my ultimate goal of becoming a doctor.”
Nicole
Nicole splits her time between the field, the classroom and volunteering
Name: Nicole Martell
School: University of Florida
Major: Occupational Therapy
On the Field: Nicole is president of the Women’s Club Soccer Team at the University of Florida. In their most recent season, the team set a University of Florida record and placed 5th in the National Women’s Club Soccer League. Nicole also participates in Intramural Women’s Soccer at the University of Florida and recently won the University’s Championship Award.
Giving Back: Nicole has volunteered over 400 hours of service and received the UF Presidential Service Award for Youth Achievement and Education. Since her freshman year, she has volunteered with disabled children at the Sidney Lanier Center and was recently recognized for her work with a Sidney Lanier Center Volunteer Award and an Alachua County Most Outstanding Volunteer Award.
Professional Growth: As a result of her work at the Sidney Lanier Center, Nicole discovered her passion for working with children with disabilities. She now volunteers with the Unified Sports/Research program, the Hand Therapy Clinic and the Movement and Disorders Clinic at the University of Florida to prepare for her future career as an occupational therapist and public health advocate.
What’s Next: Nicole plans to graduate from the University of Florida in the spring of 2017 and is currently applying for graduate school. She plans to pursue a Masters of Occupational Therapy specializing in Pediatrics for individuals with developmental, cognitive, physical, and sensory disabilities.
“I am so extremely thankful and blessed for the Delta Community Scholarship because...[it] has helped me in paying for my undergraduate academics and allowed me to further pursue my degree in Occupational Therapy. I am incredibly passionate and dedicated to my academics and extracurricular activities...and this scholarship has helped me strive for my dreams.”
