Finlay Ross

Dear Mr. Cooper, I am incredibly grateful and thrilled to be chosen as a recipient of the Cooper Congress Scholarship! It’s such an honor to be recognized by an award that champions empathy, civil discourse, and inclusive policymaking. Your generosity empowers me to pursue my studies at Vanderbilt University with even greater focus and confidence, allowing me to devote more energy to the causes I am passionate about. This scholarship brings me one step closer to my dream of a career in international development and diplomacy, where I hope to promote understanding and sustainable change around the world. I am focused now on issues related to health, food security and education access. I am diving in to learn as much as I can to advocate and support those that need it most. Vanderbilt has been a great experience so far. Since starting school in August, I've joined Dialogue Vanderbilt, an organization committed to uplifting students passionate about unity through collaborative conversation. It fills me with hope and motivation having the opportunity to continue learning in an environment that fosters this. It’s a powerful reminder that positive change happens when we listen, learn, and lead with empathy. Thank you for believing in students like me and for your vision of a more inclusive and connected world. Your support fuels my enthusiasm, and I can’t wait to give back to my community in the years to come. With gratitude, Finlay Ross