Combined Worlds Scholarship

Dear Senicia Marshall, Since my last application to the Combined Worlds Scholarship, I have succeeded as a student, artist, and individual. This semester, enrolled in Verto Education in Italy, I achieved a 3.95 GPA and earned recognition for various achievements, including an award for volunteer work, a program artist’s award, and a certificate of merit award in a music composition competition. I was proud of my lifestyle: studying hard during the week, maintaining a disciplined practice regimen at the piano, and traveling on the weekends. I led an Italian language club, guiding the exploration of etymological connections between English and Italian. In response to recent events on college campuses, I have completed an online course with the United States Institute of Peace. Yet, I have come to realize that these accomplishments are only labels under my name, a few more lines on my resume. These are not the moments that have transformed me. What truly matters is the growth and connections I’ve experienced during my time abroad. One impactful connection I made was with Gionata, an older gentleman and coat maker who welcomed people into his atelier, where vintage fur coats hung off every wall. His dark, inquisitive eyes lit up with passion as he improvised at the piano by the window. With his fragmented English and my developing Italian, we managed to communicate some, but we truly connected through music. After he closed the shop, I gave him lessons, leading him through an elusive Rachmaninoff melody or an operatic Chopin coloratura. He insisted I improvise on it, making it my own: “Rachmaninoff is Rachmaninoff, Ryan is Ryan.” It became the highlight of his day. I will remember him. The experience taught me how people, despite having different backgrounds, can find great connections. As I reflect on my journey, I recognize that many of my experiences–leading an Italian language club, coaching javelin, forming an ensemble, or connecting with Gionata–have been about fostering meaningful human connections. This scholarship will help me afford tuition to continue learning in a diverse and dedicated environment emphasizing human connection. My goal is to continue studying music performance and composition with intention, among other interests, and to further develop as an artist and individual. I would be motivated, honored, and grateful for this opportunity. Thank you once again for considering my application with care. Sincerely, Ryan Paulů

Travel can be like hitting the refresh button on life. When you step out into the unknown, you're not just exploring new places; I’m also discovering parts of myself I might not have known existed. I received an opportunity to immerse myself in African culture by studying abroad in Tanzania for the Summer of 2024(May 15-27th). College has crafted a narrative unbeknownst to myself and allowed me to see the extent of my abilities. College has also provided me with valuable resources about life, it is also a pool of networking that has given me lifetime friendships. I am a first generation student double majoring in Dental Hygiene and Public Health. It's like each journey is a new chapter in your story, filled with lessons and memories that shape who I am. These experiences build resilience, adaptability, and confidence. I will have a successful career as a Dental Hygienist and Epidemiology researcher. Service is my way of paying forward and expressing gratitude for things I have been able to accomplish until I’m able to give back through my career. My personal morals and upbringing are solely responsible for my share of giving back to my community. I plan to give back as the service project coordinator for Epidemiology kits in Tanzania. Many remote or underserved communities in Tanzania lack reliable access to healthcare facilities. Health kits could provide essential items like bandages, antiseptics, and basic medications, allowing residents to address minor health issues without having to travel long distances. By equipping community health workers or volunteers with these kits, the local population can take a more active role in managing their own health needs, rather than relying solely on overburdened clinics. It's about breaking out of my comfort zone, which can lead to personal growth and a new perspective on life. Every new place I visit, every unique person I meet, adds a new layer to my understanding of the world and my place in it. Travel introduces you to people with different lifestyles and perspectives, which can lead to lifelong friendships and a deeper appreciation for the diversity of human experience. It's these moments of connection that often have the most lasting impact, teaching us empathy and understanding. In essence, travel isn't just about the places you go; it's about the journey within and the person you become along the way. Kassidy S. Woodson

I come from an isolated small town in northern California. I was raised by a single mother who had a physical disability that left her unable to operate a vehicle. Life in a small town did not offer the opportunity to learn about other cultures or heritages. It was not until I was an adult that I spent any amount of time outside that small town. As soon as I could, I started traveling all over the United States. Then when I was twenty-four years old, I had the opportunity to move to Las Vegas, Nevada. It is one of the most diverse cities in the United States. My first few months living here were somewhat of a culture shock. There were so many stores, foods, and new people to meet that I became overwhelmed. It has been amazing though getting to learn about various backgrounds and cultures that I would have never encountered if I remained in that small town. Ever since I left, I have made it my goal to visit at least one new place in the United States each year. Two years ago I got to travel outside the US for the first time. I went to Jamaica, the Grand Cayman Islands, and Mexico. It was the most incredible trip of my life. I got to meet so many individuals along the way who taught me about the history of their land and introduced me to various cultural norms. I tried tons of new foods, finding my new favorite is jerk chicken from Jamaica. I hope to continue to stamp new countries in my passport, while visiting at least one new country every two years. As a social worker, I must learn more about other cultures, perspectives, and environments. It will be my responsibility to support individuals from diverse backgrounds and the only way I can do that effectively is by learning as much as I can about their culture. By embracing travel and learning from my experiences within different countries, I can get first-hand insight into the lives these individuals live daily. This will allow me to incorporate important cultural aspects into their treatment plans while also understanding the various situations they come from.