CL Proferes Scholarship

I recently graduated high school with over half of my associate's completed with dual credit courses. I received my insurance license recently and plan to pursue a career in the insurance industry. My goal is to educate and empower individuals in my community about the importance of financial planning and protection through insurance policies. By providing personalized guidance and support, I hope to make a positive impact by helping others secure their future and achieve peace of mind. In addition to my career goals in the insurance industry, I am also passionate about giving back to my community. I plan to volunteer with local organizations that focus on financial literacy and education, particularly for underserved populations. I believe that by sharing my knowledge and expertise, I can help empower individuals to take control of their financial future and make informed decisions. Ultimately, my goal is to contribute to the overall well-being and prosperity of my community through both my career and volunteer efforts. By educating others on important financial concepts, I hope to make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. I believe that everyone deserves access to the tools and resources necessary to achieve financial stability and independence. Through my dedication to both my career and volunteer work, I am committed to making a difference in the lives of those around me and helping build a stronger, more prosperous community for all. In my professional role, I strive to provide personalized financial guidance and support to individuals and families, helping them navigate complex financial decisions and achieve their goals. Through education and empowerment, I aim to equip others with the knowledge and skills needed to take control of their financial future. Insurance is something that everyone needs in order to protect themselves and their loved ones from unexpected financial hardships. By staying informed about the latest insurance products and regulations, I am able to provide my clients with the best possible coverage options tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Ultimately, my goal is to serve as a trusted advisor and partner, guiding individuals and families towards a secure and prosperous financial future. I'm very grateful for the ability to work while I attend college , as it allows me to gain valuable experience and knowledge in the field of insurance while also furthering my education. This unique opportunity enables me to not only support myself financially but also to invest in my future career prospects. I believe that the combination of practical experience and academic learning will give me a competitive edge in the industry. By balancing work and school, I am able to develop a strong foundation of skills and expertise that will benefit both my clients and myself in the long run. I am confident that this hands-on approach to learning will lead to a successful and fulfilling career in insurance.

When my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer, everything in our lives changed. I was still in high school, trying to balance classes, sports, and my future—but suddenly, none of that seemed to matter as much. Watching my mom go through treatment was really hard, but what stood out to me was how strong she was. Even when she was sick, she kept working in the insurance field, helping other people prepare for the worst and protect what mattered to them. That left a big impression on me. My mom showed me that insurance is more than paperwork and numbers. It’s about giving people peace of mind when they need it most. After she passed away, I saw firsthand how her work had helped others—and how the life insurance she had in place helped our family get through a really difficult time. We didn’t have to lose everything, and I know that’s because she believed in what she did. Now, I want to follow in her footsteps and study risk management and insurance. I’ve always liked problem-solving and thinking about how to prepare for the unexpected, but more than that, I want to make a difference in people’s lives. RMI is about helping people and businesses stay strong when life throws challenges at them. That’s something I really believe in. In school, I’ve taken 11 dual enrollment courses and completed almost 80 hours of community service. I’ve also played soccer all my life and will be continuing to play overseas in Argentina this fall. Right now, I’m recovering from a hamstring injury, and my dad and I are both unemployed, so things have been tough financially. That’s why this scholarship would mean so much to me. It would help me pay for college and allow me to focus on my goals instead of worrying about how we’ll afford everything. This scholarship also means something personal. CaroleLynn Proferes was someone who made a big impact in the RMI field, just like my mom did. Applying for this scholarship feels like a way to honor both of them. I want to take what they built and carry it forward—to help others, to protect families like mine, and to make a difference through a career in insurance. Thank you for reading my story and for considering me for this scholarship. It would be a huge step toward helping me reach my goals and continue the work that my mom started.

From the moment I joined Gamma Iota Sigma during my first semester at East Carolina University, my passion for risk management and insurance (RMI) has grown tremendously. Through this professional fraternity, I have been exposed to the vast dynamic world of the insurance industry, gaining firsthand insight into the diverse career opportunities it offers. Our organization has provided valuable experiences, such as touring insurance companies like RSUI and Amwins. These visits allowed me to engage with professionals in various roles, deepening my understanding of the industry and helping me envision my future within it. Meeting alumni who have successfully navigated careers in RMI has been inspiring, reinforcing my goals to become part of this industry. While my coursework at ECU has provided a strong foundation in insurance principles, I continue to stay fascinated by the many career paths available. Although still exploring possibilities, I have developed a keen interest in underwriting, the opportunity to assess and evaluate risks, which aligns with my analytical skills and decision-making abilities, feels like the perfect match for me in this field. Receiving this scholarship would significantly impact my academic and professional journey. Currently, I am solely responsible for financing my education, requiring me to balance multiple jobs while maintaining my studies and extracurricular commitments. During breaks, I work as a manager at Bojangles, and throughout the school year, I deliver for Grubhub to support myself. Despite my best efforts, these jobs are not enough to cover tuition and living expenses, leading me to obtain student loans. The financial aid is a constant source of stress, often diverting my attention from fully immersing myself in my studies and professional development. This scholarship would alleviate that financial strain, allowing me to focus more on my education, my involvement in Gamma Iota Sigma, and my pursuit of deeper industry knowledge. Without the worry of loan repayment, I could dedicate more time to networking, attending industry events, and participating in internships that will provide the hands-on experience needed to excel in underwriting. Additionally, it would enable me to engage more meaningfully in my coursework, ensuring that I build the strongest foundation possible for my future career in RMI. Beyond financial relief, this scholarship would validate my hard work and commitment to risk management and insurance. It would reinforce my belief that I am on the right path. My goal is not only to succeed in the industry but also to mentor future students who, like me, are eager to make their mark in insurance. By supporting my education, this scholarship would be an investment in my potential to contribute positively to the industry, both as a professional and as a mentor to the next generation of aspiring insurance professionals. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities I have had and deeply appreciative of the consideration for this scholarship. It represents more than just financial assistance—it is a stepping stone that will allow me to pursue my ambitions with confidence and determination. With this support, I am excited to continue my journey in RMI, eager to learn, grow, and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the industry.