Richard (Dunk) Matthews II Scholarship

My name is Jaleelah Robinson, and I currently work as a certified pharmacy technician. Through this role, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for healthcare and the many ways we can positively impact patients lives. However, over time, I began to feel the need for a more direct, hands on role in patient care something that would allow me to be there for people during some of their most challenging moments. That’s when I started seriously considering a career in radiation therapy. My partner originally suggested radiation therapy to me, knowing my strengths and my desire for a career that offers both purpose and balance. As I learned more about the field, I was drawn to its mix of technical expertise and compassionate care. I was also encouraged by the strong job outlook, great pay, and the potential for a healthier work-life balance. It felt like the right fit, and for the first time in a while, I saw a future I was genuinely excited about. Shifting from pharmacy to radiation therapy is a big change, but I believe my experience has prepared me well. Working in pharmacy has taught me the importance of accuracy, teamwork, and being present for patients. These skills are essential in radiation therapy, where attention to detail and emotional intelligence are just as critical as clinical knowledge. I’m fully committed to this path and plan to take full advantage of every learning opportunity from classroom training to clinical practice to become the best healthcare professional I can be. One of my biggest goals after becoming a certified radiation therapist is to give back. I know how overwhelming it can be to make a career change or figure out your next step, especially when you don’t have a traditional college degree. I want to mentor others who are considering the trades and show them that there are meaningful, well paying jobs out there that don’t require going into massive debt. I also hope to be involved in cancer outreach programs, educating people in my community about early detection and treatment options. I believe the more we know, the better we can care for ourselves and each other. This career shift represents more than just a professional move it's a personal mission. I want to build a career where I can serve others while continuing to grow, learn, and inspire those around me. Radiation therapy gives me that chance. With support from this scholarship, I’ll be able to focus on my training and take steps toward building a future where I’m doing work that matters. Thank you for considering my application and for supporting people like me who are ready for the next chapter.

Generational wealth means the wealth that one obtains during each generation. We are always expected to make our way for ourselves. My grandparents helped my mom get into college, but after that point, she was expected to make it on her own. I feel like I must also do it for myself. I am planning on going to the University of Northwestern Ohio in the fall. I want to study as an automotive technician. More precisely, I want to study to be a mechanic. I know it is not the most glamorous of jobs, but it is something that interests me deeply. Over the years, my mom and I have talked a lot about my future. She keeps reminding me that wealth is more than just money. I must also be fulfilled by my choice of career. Even though she has never made a fortune as a teacher, she is very fulfilled in her life and has taught me to seek out a career that will do the same for me. As a mechanic, I will be able to find work. The industry is always growing, as well as I keep up with the times, such as learning about hybrid and electric engines. I will keep up with my industry so that I can always be a leader in my field. I will continue to work hard and build a name for myself. I will work with integrity. Those who work with me will know that they can count on me to get the work done and for an honest price. It is also a goal for me to help in my community. Mechanics often get a bad name because they do a job that most don't understand. A lot of people, especially women, get overcharged for mechanic services. My mom has talked about this a lot over the years. I want to provide quality services for my community, as well as donate services for those who need them to get back on their feet. Overall, it is important to me to start my career in as little debt as possible. The college I have chosen is out of state, so the tuition is very expensive for me. This, along with room and board, will cost close to $50,000 by the time I graduate. In order to help me reach my goals with as little debt as possible, I need to try to get as many grants and/or scholarships as I can. My mother can help me take out other loans, but she is still paying off her own student loans after 20 years of graduating from college. As a single mother, she doesn't have much discretionary income to put toward those payments. Going into debt this early in my career would make it hard for me to generate any generational wealth for myself as I will barely be making it in my field for quite a while until I repay my loans. Therefore, please consider me for your scholarship. It would mean the world to me.