Margot Bogner Memorial Scholarship

Margot Bogner's drive and passion to make a difference, be involved in her community, and empower women are all things that I understand on a very personal level. As a woman at Kansas State University studying agricultural economics, pre-law, and philosophy, that drive must be a part of my everyday decisions. I admire Margot's strength and look up to the path she took in life, as it mirrors the very one I am aspiring to follow. I am studying to go into environmental law to look out for the small-town working people of America who keep produce on the shelves and our fridges full. It motives me to know that Margot set out to do a very similar thing, and was able to do it successfully. Even more than that, she went above and beyond to provide service to those who needed it the most, even if it did not benefit her. I aim to be the same beacon of service through my work with Big Sisters of America and the Manhattan Sexual Violence Awareness Center. As an Alpha Chi Omega at K-State, our philanthropy revolves around supporting women who have been in unhealthy and abusive relationships. I have seen Margot's theory that "empowered women empower women" first-hand through the work that I have done. This philanthropy is one of the reasons I joined Alpha Chi Omega; I knew that it would foster sisterhood to more than just my sorority sisters, but also all women who have been affected by sexual violence. It has been such a joy to be a witness to how women regain their sense of safety and power. I am new to the Big Sister program, but I have been very excited to start with it. I am assigned a "little," whose background has not set them up to succeed in life. I show them how good the world can be and all of the opportunities it has to offer. This experience allows the child to become excited and passionate about the future and ultimately opens them up to a variety of things they might never have encountered. I hope to make the same impact through my career that Margot did. I'd like to grow to use my education and skills to help the community and those around me who need it. Above all, I'm excited to be able to use my career to provide for and start a family. It has always been important to me to be able to give back to the people who gave so much to me, and I cannot wait to be able to do that for my family. I understand that my path will not be the easiest to walk down. Law school, service, and passion are difficult things to pursue. However, I know that this is what I'm called to do, and I'm excited to have the opportunity to follow in Margot's footsteps. Her memory and legacy remind me that with determination and devotion to service, I can make a meaningful difference. I am prepared to embrace the challenges ahead and make a positive impact on the world, just as Margot has inspired me to do.

In the pursuit of excellence, I find inspiration in the remarkable life of Margot Bogner. From academic achievements to community service, Margot's dedication to making a positive impact resonates deeply with me. As a current student at Kansas State University, my journey reflects her spirit, and I am honored to share my story in applying for the Margot Bogner Memorial Scholarship. Academic excellence has been a cornerstone of my journey, mirroring Margot's commitment to achieving high standards. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA in college has been a testament to my passion for learning and determination to excel academically. I share Margot's belief that education is a powerful tool, and through my studies, I aim to empower myself and others with knowledge. My ambition to become a financial advisor stems from a desire to apply my strengths in analytical thinking and mathematics to help individuals effectively manage their money. Margot's pursuit of a legal career to uplift the lives of others resonates with my goal of making a positive impact on people's financial well-being. I see this profession as an avenue to empower individuals to achieve financial success and security. Margot's philanthropic endeavors, particularly her involvement with charities like the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, inspire my commitment to community service. At Kansas State University, I actively volunteer at Cats Cupboard, a food pantry that provides students with the opportunity to shop for groceries free of charge. Recognizing the importance of addressing food insecurity within the student community, I am dedicated to contributing to a supportive environment where everyone has access to essential resources. Girls on the Run, Gamma Phi Beta's philanthropy, has been a significant part of my volunteer work. I share Margot's belief in the empowerment of women and see this program as a means to instill confidence in young girls. Guiding them through the program, I witness the transformative impact of mentorship and support on their lives. Margot's dedication to empowering women resonates in my involvement with Gamma Phi Beta, where I am surrounded by capable women who inspire and motivate me to be the best version of myself. Babysitting regularly in Manhattan and my hometown of Kansas City allows me to connect with and positively influence the lives of children. This hands-on experience reaffirms my passion for working with kids and strengthens my belief in the importance of mentorship and guidance in shaping their futures. In addition to my academic and volunteer commitments, my on-campus job at the Office of Student Support and Accountability aligns with my personal commitment to prioritizing mental health and academic success. By contributing to a supportive environment for fellow students, I strive to uphold the values of empowerment and community that Margot exemplified. In conclusion, the Margot Bogner Memorial Scholarship represents an opportunity to honor a remarkable individual whose spirit continues to inspire positive change. My journey, marked by academic excellence, a commitment to community service, and a passion for empowering others, aligns closely with Margot's values. I am eager to carry forward her legacy by contributing to the betterment of my community and the lives of those around me.

As a fellow member of Gamma Phi Beta, learning about Margot Bogner through her husband sharing her story was truly inspiring. Hearing how being part of this same sisterhood made a lasting impact on Margot’s life reminded me how much Gamma Phi Beta has shaped me into the woman I am today. Truly, being surrounded by such amazing and driven women inspires me every day to become a better version of myself and strive for excellence in all my current and future endeavors. Being a member of Gamma Phi Beta has helped me grow in all areas of my life. Like Margot, my academics have always been important to me, and joining a sorority gave me a community of like-minded women who support me in my academic goals. While I enjoy staying busy through my involvement in student organizations, my academics continue to be a top priority. This effort in my academics is demonstrated by my 4.0 GPA which I have maintained throughout my schooling. Additionally, I strive to make a positive impact on my sorority chapter through leadership and mentorship. In the roles of Administrative Vice President and Philanthropy Chairwoman, I have shown great dedication to serving the interest of our members and leading our chapter toward its goals. These experiences have been rewarding as they have taught me many life lessons and given me valuable connections. Throughout my time in Gamma Phi Beta, I have benefited greatly from the mentorship of upperclassmen, alumni, and advisors. These influential women have empowered me to achieve by providing advice and building my confidence. For this reason, I am intentional about forming connections with younger members so that I may empower them to be the best versions of themselves. I aspire to be a role model and a friend to them by supporting their personal goals and encouraging their involvement within the chapter and community. For me, giving my time and efforts toward causes that I care about brings me great happiness and fulfillment. Similarly to Margot, one organization that has the utmost importance to me is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS). In 2019, I participated in the LLS Student Visionaries of the Year, which is a leadership program and fundraising competition between high school students. I led my team in planning fundraising events, obtaining corporate sponsorships, and ultimately raising over $40,000 for LLS during the seven-week campaign. The following year I served on the program’s Leadership Team and helped to recruit and mentor high school students in their fundraising efforts. I continue to be involved with LLS today through personal fundraising endeavors because I wish to improve the quality of life for others. Upon graduation from Kansas State University, I plan to begin a career focused on community engagement and involvement. I believe this career path will allow me to best utilize my relationship-building strengths and also serve the members of my community. One quote I aim to live my life by comes from Mahatma Gandhi: “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” I believe we all have the ability and opportunity to leave places and people better than when we found them. Hearing about Margot’s story and her dedication to improving the lives of others through her professional work and volunteerism shows that she changed the world for the better. I desire to elevate the world as she did by serving those in need and building meaningful relationships.