I was in desperate need of mentorship and financial assistance when I first learned about the Bardwell Scholarship over 15 years ago. One of my mentors, Gaylord Bogguess introduced me to Hedy and I immediately felt a connection to her. At the same time, I was nervous because I am most certain I had the worst grades and GPA at Harold Washington College at the time. My first few attempts at HWC were catastrophic and I was not in the proper headspace to be a successful college student. My GPA had slid under a 2.0 and I was not the ideal candidate for a scholarship. However, despite this, Hedy did not give up on me because she saw potential in me that I could not see in myself. The guidance and generosity I received through the Bardwell Scholarship helped me get focused and I pulled my GPA up by the close of the semester. However, I dropped out of school because I simply was not ready to embark on the commitment it takes to be a successful student. Once I left, I lost touch with Hedy, but unexpectedly reconnected with her at a ceremony for a scholarship I won at the end of the school year.
Over ten years later, I went back to the only college that truly felt like my home and I was more than ready to be a productive student. I took out student loans and ran up credit cards to pay for my education because I was determined to graduate …show more content…
I am eternally grateful to all the donors, volunteers and the entire team because of their support, encouragement and inspiring work to help students like me achieve their academic goals and transform their lives. Hedy’s nurturing spirit is so warm and comforting and continuous support that I have received from her goes beyond a financial award. She is has become my spirit mother and friend and I know that no matter how hard it gets, she is always there to serve as my beacon of
Over ten years later, I went back to the only college that truly felt like my home and I was more than ready to be a productive student. I took out student loans and ran up credit cards to pay for my education because I was determined to graduate …show more content…
I am eternally grateful to all the donors, volunteers and the entire team because of their support, encouragement and inspiring work to help students like me achieve their academic goals and transform their lives. Hedy’s nurturing spirit is so warm and comforting and continuous support that I have received from her goes beyond a financial award. She is has become my spirit mother and friend and I know that no matter how hard it gets, she is always there to serve as my beacon of