Receiving the Dr. William and Jo Sherwood Family Scholarship would allow me to continue to pursue my education and help me achieve my dream of graduating from a four-year college program at the University of Michigan as a first-generation student. Neither of my parents holds a four-year degree, so imagine how excited I was upon receiving my letter of acceptance to pursue my Bachelor of Business Administration at my dream school: the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business. Education has always been highly emphasized in my home; therefore, one of my greatest life goals is to graduate college with my bachelor's degree because it will make me a pioneer in my family. Coming to the University of Michigan has been one of the greatest experiences in my life. There were only thirteen other people in my high school graduating class, so studying at a large university has allowed me to explore my interests and develop my skills in ways I had not been able to in the past. I have been able to join clubs that cater to my goals and provide supportive communities of bright individuals from whom I can learn and grow — communities I have never had before. One example is a club I joined during my first year called Ross Retail Club. It was the first place I was able to connect with other students who shared my passion for marketing and retail and has been instrumental in helping me break into these career paths. Another resource I hope to utilize during my time here is the semester exchange program. I know that studying abroad will not only allow me to see the world but also to grow personally and professionally. It will help me to develop a global perspective of business, as I hope to get a job that allows me to travel, encounter new cultures, and work with diverse groups of people. As a Spanish minor, I dream of studying in Spain. These resources at the University of Michigan have opened up avenues through which I can properly prepare for my future and set myself up for a successful career while forming lasting friendships and making amazing memories. While college has been one of the most exciting experiences of my life, it has also been stressful — especially financially. As I head into my junior year, my yearly tuition will increase by more than $4500, but receiving this scholarship will help my dreams to become a reality. It will allow me to remain planted in these communities where I have grown and made lasting friendships. It will allow me to continue to pursue my interests and goals, like studying abroad. It will help me to remain in an environment that helps foster my growth and provides me with the resources I need to support my learning. Most importantly receiving this scholarship would help me achieve my dream of graduating as a first-generation student, which would change my life in extraordinary ways.

I am a sophomore at the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business studying Business Administration, with a minor in Spanish and an emphasis on marketing. From the moment I arrived at Ross, I knew I wanted to pursue marketing. To me, marketing represents creativity within the business world and the skills I can develop from it are both invaluable and applicable to many industries. Since deciding I want to focus my education on marketing, I have joined marketing-based clubs at my school. I am a member of BBA Marketing Club, a general marketing club exclusive to students at Ross, and I am the Blog and Website Manager for Ross Retail Club, which focuses on opportunities within the fashion and retail industries. My education is important to me because I am a first-generation student, as neither of my parents holds a four-year degree, making me a trailblazer within my family. Graduating with a four-year degree in a field I am passionate about would allow me to prove to myself that anything is possible and that the years of dedication and hard work that have brought me this far have truly paid off.