I remember experiencing a whole new pressure when it came to filling out scholarship applications. I didn't want to come out of school broke just to make pennies as a TV news reporter. Unfortunately, I was a great student - but not amazing - and my parents made just enough money that I didn't qualify for much. I sought out random scholarships and got pretty damn good at writing essays.
Present Day: As president of the Mizzou Alumni Central Iowa Chapter, I was now the one choosing who would get a scholarship and who wouldn't. Our chapter has two scholarships to award each year. This year, we had seven awesome applicants. I'm glad we didn't have more because it would have made our jobs even harder. Reading their essays made me think of my high school self. You're so wrapped up in your little high school life and grades and sports. You have no idea what college has in store for you. You can't imagine where you'll be in two year, 5 years, 10 years. I hope the best for all these kids and that they enjoy the best four or five years of their life.