Gussie Lynn Scholarship

I am an 18-year-old high school graduate from North Stafford High School in Stafford, VA, and have been accepted into McDaniel College in Westminster, MD. Learning is fun, but it takes work. Despite the side effects of having stage 4 kidney failure, where some may experience a decline in cognitive function, I have been able to persevere to achieve a 4.225 GPA while on the advanced diploma track. I am very proud of my hard work and determination to succeed, and I will continue to do so in college. Going to college will open new doors for me in the future and to pursue my dreams of becoming an Early Childhood Education Teacher.  I was enrolled in the Early Childhood Education class at high school. I taught three to four-year-old preschoolers the fundamentals of learning, including fine and gross motor skills, cognitive development, and social and emotional interactions. Working with the children in this class was very important to me since it opened my eyes to the needs of students and their families. I helped them prepare to be successful in their future; therefore, I am making a difference. Not only am I teaching them, but they also taught me patience, multi-tasking skills, and how to give back to the community. Every day is something new with the preschoolers. When I walked into the classroom, I never knew what to expect. I always say I'm a little kid at heart, and teaching the children helps me reminisce about my childhood. I also love being around children. I am currently volunteering as a youth team member at my local church. I help the children develop valuable life skills, a sense of responsibility, and a deeper understanding of their faith. I am also employed as a camp counselor and have the privilege of instilling confidence, values, and a sense of community in the children I interact with. These experiences will create lasting memories for the campers and me and impart valuable life lessons that can shape their future endeavors and possibly make them want to work with the youth themselves. Attending college and graduating with my degree in Early Childhood Education will allow me to obtain the skills and tools to educate our young scholars of the future.  Studies show that the first few years of a child's life are pivotal to their long-term success, and I can't wait to be a part of it and witness how they will continue to shape the community in the future. As both of my parents are fortunate to have jobs, their combined income is above the minimum standards to receive financial support. We do not meet the requirements to redeem financial aid and may be forced to consider other funding measures to support my dream of attending McDaniel College. I received a merit scholarship through the school due to my high GPA/grades. I have an older sister who is a senior in college, whom my parents financially support, and my younger siblings, who are twins who will also be off to college soon. The financial need to care for a family of six may only sometimes be evident. However, there is a need for financial assistance due to the rising cost of receiving a college education.  The Gussie Lynn Scholarship will help me succeed and become a better student in college. This scholarship will fulfill my dreams of playing collegiate volleyball and earning an academic diploma. I cannot wait to start my college journey, and it all starts with being considered for this scholarship.