Hobbies and interests
Data Science
Reading
Literary Fiction
I read books multiple times per month
Simon Denny
495
Bold Points1x
FinalistSimon Denny
495
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am an Actuarial Science student at Purdue University in West Lafayette searching for scholarships to aid in my education over the next three years. I am a first generational college student, one of six children, and the son of a USMC veteran.
Education
Purdue University-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Mathematics
Minors:
- Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other
Purdue University-Main Campus
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Mathematics and Statistics, Other
Minors:
- Business/Managerial Economics
Career
Dream career field:
Actuary
Dream career goals:
Valet
Columbia Club2022 – Present2 years
Sports
Soccer
Varsity2018 – 20202 years
Public services
Volunteering
Multiple Food Pantries, Churches and Philanthropic Organizations — Volunteer2021 – Present
Future Interests
Volunteering
Philanthropy
Stephen R. Boardman Memorial Scholarship
I was born into a Christian home to two parents with deep faith and five siblings. Being the second oldest of six, I faced a great deal of responsibility growing up. In a household of eight, being homeschooled alongside my family was where my faith imprinted itself on my life. Day to day, I spent time with my brothers, sisters and my mother. We did bible studies and devotions together every morning and every evening when my dad got back home from work, we would do another devotion as a family. However, life wasn't easy. My father, an ex-marine, never went to college. My mother chose to raise her six children instead of pursuing a career. So, my father has provided for the family as a United States Postal Service Mail Carrier for the last twenty-five years. As a result, finances have always been tough. But, God worked through that! He used the hard situations to instill a great work ethic into me! At the age of 11, I started doing lawn care for neighbors and by the time I was sixteen, I had enough money to pay cash for my first car. God used the hardships of growing up without as much money to teach me lessons about money and how to work hard and appreciate the blessings he has given to me and my family.
Moving into college, finances have been a real source of anxiety for me. My parents are not in a position to support me and so I have learned to work hard and prepare for my education on my own. This is an experience I wouldn't trade for the world and God has taught me so much. I was able to save up enough to enroll this past semester at Purdue University. The frozen tuition has kept the university in my price range. Even further, I found a group of good Christian men at Purdue who have helped me grow in my faith. The fraternity, Beta Upsilon Chi (Brothers Under Christ) was formed in 1986 at the Univesity of Texas to give Christian men on college campuses an outlet and a lasting bond of brotherhood and unity based on the common bond of a relationship with Jesus Christ. Beta Upsilon Chi at Purdue was where I found a new maturity in my faith. I discovered an element of intentionality, involvement and accountability that I may have never otherwise known. For example, in striving for purity, I joined a group of brothers in an accountability group. When any of us break any boundaries, we fast food for 24 hours to mourn and pray for each other. However, as beautiful as this whole experience is, I cannot afford it moving forward.
This spring, I will still attend Purdue University but I am applying to transfer to IUPUI in Indianapolis to continue to pursue my degree in Actuarial Science. Despite my financial struggles, God has worked powerfully in my life to bring me to where I am. He has brought so many blessings and lessons and transformed me through his powerful spirit. I plan to continue to search out intentional brotherhood and start a group similar to Beta Upsilon Chi if I transfer to IUPUI. I want other young Christian men to have a chance to experience intentional faith-centered brotherhood the way I have and I thank God for placing that desire in my heart.