For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Simon Denny

495

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

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 program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics
  • Minors:
    • Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services, Other

Purdue University-Main Campus

Bachelor's degree program
2022 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Mathematics and Statistics, Other
  • Minors:
    • Business/Managerial Economics
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Actuary

    • Dream career goals:

    • Valet

      Columbia Club
      2022 – Present2 years

    Sports

    Soccer

    Varsity
    2018 – 20202 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Multiple Food Pantries, Churches and Philanthropic Organizations — Volunteer
      2021 – 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.