Category: JustJobs Scholarship

Choosing to major in speech-language pathology stems from the combination of personal and community service experiences that have shown me where my great passion meets one of the world’s great needs.

While volunteering at Mother Theresa’s Shishu Bhavan I facilitated physical therapy, communication exercises, and daily care for abandoned and handicapped children. Throughout my time abroad I was reminded of the tremendous influence impaired communication skills can have on the quality of human life. Despite this influence, I was shocked to witness that the development of services for people with communication disabilities has a low priority in health care and rehabilitation in developing countries. Consequently, I realized there is a clear need to develop new and innovative service structures, which I hope to be a part of upon completion of my graduate program.

My domestic service experiences have shown me that there are also paramount needs to be addressed in our own nation. Being an undergraduate in Baltimore provided an enormous amount of opportunities to see how speech-language pathologists can serve and learn about their greater community. At Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital and at Mother Seton Academy, where I served as both a therapy aide and tutor respectively, I interacted with children experiencing homelessness and poverty. I again interacted with this population of children during this past year as I’ve served as an assistant teacher with AmeriCorps at the Notre Dame Montessori School, a pre-school located in an area that is economically integrated and subsidized for low income families. It is here that I have worked one-on-one daily with children, ages 3 to 7, affected by homelessness or a low socio-economic status. In this time I realized how significantly those factors can hinder literacy development, affecting the language skills and patterns that will stay with children throughout their lives.

As I progress into my career, I aspire to find ways to help alleviate the inverse relationship between literacy development and homelessness. As an AmeriCorps volunteer I lived below the poverty line so that I could work with the children from a place of mutual understanding. Although challenging, that experience has become synergized with my passion to change societal structures that impede equal opportunities for people with communication disorders. I believe that communication disorders create a population of people on the margins of society that need to be served and advocated for, and as a speech-language pathologist I will have the opportunity to do this very justice.

 With the aid of a scholarship towards my degree I will develop my intentions for societal change and formulate them into tangible possibilities. By being able to effectively communicate, people can thrive by manipulating their surroundings and actively engaging in the world around them, developing themselves to their fullest potential. As a speech-language pathologist I will dedicate myself to ensure that individuals have this chance. A graduate student scholarship towards the Northeastern University speech-language pathology graduate program will put me in a place that can help me foster my growth in this field. 

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Amber Beigay as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for her essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

I have learned that two of the most important characteristics within the field of international business are agility and foresight. Whether a global entrepreneur or a multinational company, what sets each apart is demonstrating the ability to be quick and well coordinated in order to change course when necessary, as well as the ability to live with one foot in the future. Businesses must also constantly evaluate what their consumers want, deliver products or services that meet the customers needs, and be forward thinking in terms of competitors and changing market dynamics.

From my perspective, the creation of the Duke Cross Continent MBA (CCM) program exemplifies this progressive track. By developing this Cross Continent program, the Fuqua School of Business redefines the international business-learning model through its leadership, innovation, and unique foresight to meet the needs of working professionals in global business education. I look forward to becoming part of the Fuqua community that is rethinking the boundaries and redefining business education.

Based on my years of experience in both the non-profit public health sector and the private international business sector, I have unique views on health and economic development of developing countries. Also, I have invaluable work experience in the field of international business development and marketing throughout Africa: working with a start-up business, negotiating agreements with local distributors, conducting market research and analysis of consumer branded products, and developing a marketing and brand development strategy that is culturally relevant in each African country.

Also, I have learned about different styles and forms of communication, managing people cross-culturally, workplace dynamics, work ethics, and also cultural concepts of time. My inter-disciplinary and inter-cultural experiences will be an asset to the Cross Continent MBA program and will be a benefit to my classmates. In our inter-connected and inter-dependent global economy, it is important to view business challenges and the decision making progress from a holistic and culturally sensitive perspective.

In our global economy, it is important to use business to improve the standard of living and to create sustainable prosperity. My experience has shown me that the consumer products industry can improve economic and human development throughout Africa. From expansions in manufacturing to distribution to retail, higher paying jobs are created, thereby improving people’s standard of living.

By pursuing my career goals in the industry of consumer brands and products, I can significantly impact economic growth and development across Africa. The CCM program at Fuqua will prepare me to achieve my goals. Not only will I gain a strong foundation in business concepts, but also I will develop strong leadership and communication skills. The CCM program will provide me with the opportunity to keep working in my current position, while also gaining invaluable experience in other global emerging markets. I look forward to being a part of the global Fuqua community.

 JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Chelsea Brehm as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for her essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

I was raised by a single mother with only a high school degree, leaving my family below the poverty line all of my life.  As a first-generation college student, I know that higher education is not a right, but rather a privilege.  My mother instilled not only a love of learning in me but also an understanding of her hardships so that I would enjoy a better life.  By instilling the values of intellectual curiosity and hard work, my mother has helped me become the first one in my immediate family to graduate from college and the only person in my extended family to pursue graduate study of any kind.  

My initial interest in law arose from my early experiences in the court system to escape my abusive father.  Thanks to an army of supportive attorneys and sympathetic judges, we obtained a protection from abuse order and established mandated child support.  I acknowledge that my current position is thanks to the aid of others and the grace of God.  From the lawyer who worked the pro bono case against my father, to the financial aid I received to attend Georgetown University, my life and experiences have depended heavily on help from others.  I believe that it is very important for everyone to help one’s fellow man, but it is particularly important for me to give back because of all of the opportunities I have received.  

Seeing the ability of the legal system to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people has made me want to help others navigate the system.  I plan to commit a significant portion of my time to pro bono work.  I want to work to defend children and families, specifically working to ensure educational and disability rights for low-income children and families who would not be able to seek legal remedies without lawyers willing to donate their time.  

In my undergraduate coursework, I have sought to hone my literary skills and pursued my interests in law, children, and education to better prepare me the career I intend to pursue.  This May I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Government.  Specifically, I have taken major classes in Constitutional Law as a foundation for my future legal study, as well as child development and education classes that will better prepare me for my eventual work with children’s issues.  For the past three summers, I have worked with the Delaware Department of Justice to affect change on a small scale before receiving my JD and gain real-world experience in the field I plan to enter.  

Last fall, I also had the opportunity to work with the American Bar Association’s Commission on Mental and Physical Disability law, conducting in-depth research of disability law cases like the ones on which I hope to eventually work.  Thus far I worked with children and families to remedy some of the problems in my community, but I hope to make an even greater impact in law school and beyond.

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Ashley Kempczynski as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for her essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

Ever since I was old enough to be allowed into my grandfather’s workshop, I have loved building new things, and the process that leads to it.  I love the mental exercise in problem-solving it provides.   I love the sense of satisfaction and achievement upon completion of something that is my own.  More than anything, I want to continue this love affair throughout the rest of my life. 

With each project I completed with my grandfather at his worn workbench, my resolution and quest for greatness increased.  Every new undertaking created a new challenge, and he and I were never content until the job was finished the right way.  The experiences we have shared have taught me that if one commits to something, he must give it everything he has, and make sure that it is done to the best of his ability.  I have come to the realization that the only way to accomplish my goals in life is through my own hard work, dedication, and a belief that anything is possible.

Consequently, I have worked determinedly throughout my entire education.  I have placed all of my focus on the subjects of math, science, and visual art in pursuit this dream.  With the help of the motivation (and slight perfectionism) that I inherited from my grandfather, I treat each new assignment with equal care and consideration;
and once my mind is set, I will not rest until I have conquered it.  The only thing that remained to be done was to find the career that would allow me to use these skills I have developed in combination with this passion for creation and hard work.

Through much searching, job shadowing, and consideration, I have found that profession: architecture.  Architecture is the ideal blend of the “black and white” answers and inventiveness; practicality and artistry.  It allows one the opportunity to use several different approaches to reach a goal, and I believe it will be perfect for me.  I recently finished my first year in the Iowa State University Architecture Program, in the pursuit of a degree in this glorious profession.  The trend of hard work has been carried out into college. Thus far, higher education has been full of new experiences, both exciting and exhausting.  Yet through the adjustments I have persevered, and learned much about myself along the way.

Through the years, my grandfather and I have taken on and finished countless projects in his workshop. One day, I will inherit the tools lining those sawdust-covered walls.  But the tools I carry with me everyday are of more value than any of these.  I know the knowledge I have gained from my time with my grandfather will provide motivation and bring me success with any situation I face throughout my pursuit and realization of a career in architecture.  It is my promise to uphold his high standards of quality and work ethic in everything I do.

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Caleb Spiegel as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for his essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

The discipline of biomedical sciences involves far more than a mere memorization of facts; it demands a true passion for discovery of the biological world. My fervent interest in the field of biology as well as a deep respect for life highly influenced my decision of choosing biomedical sciences as my major. Although all sciences hold a heavy importance to me, the concept of life from a biological standpoint has constantly triggered a unique curiosity in my mind. Throughout my life, it has been the aspect of the natural world that has intrigued me the most. It is something that is currently known to be present in only one place in the known universe, planet Earth. The sheer rarity of our existence sparks within me an undying fascination to explore and ensure the continuity of all life.

Despite this enthusiasm for biology, my decision to major in biomedical sciences was not one without obstacles. The study of the biological world encompasses more than general biology; from ecology to microbiology, the immense size of the science forced me to decide a particular area on which to focus my undergraduate career. Such a decision to narrow my interests was difficult for I would be dedicating the next four years of my life to exploring that field. Carrying a heavy burden on my choice, I carefully weighed my options, analyzing the various opportunities unlocked by each biological science degree. After careful consideration, I concluded the major of biomedical sciences was best suited for my passion and coincided with my career objectives. This major focuses on biology from a medicinal perspective, which appeared to me as a very practical approach to the science and something that completely fascinated me.

The ultimate goal of biomedical sciences is to better understand human life in hopes to improve it. To graduate with a degree in this field I would fulfill this very objective: to lessen the physical suffering of human life. Understanding the rarity of our existence, I realize that we are delicate creatures in a universe constantly trying to drive us to extinction. From lethal cosmic radiation to vicious diseases, the odds are stacked against us. However, I appreciate the true beauty and complexity of human life to idly accept such a senseless fate dictated by the natural world.

With a degree in biomedical sciences, I will utilize my knowledge to diminish human suffering as much as possible. Through research, I will explore various natural ailments through which humans must endure in hopes to find a cure. One illness in particular that captivates me is the one all humans must face at one point in their lives, a disease wrought by time itself: aging. To me, graduating with a bachelor of science in biomedical sciences entails more than quenching my interest in biology; it is my chance to prove that despite us being a rare cosmic incident, humanity can and will survive whatever obstacles lie ahead.

 JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Jeremy Tran as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for his essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

The hierarchical framework of Morocco doomed people without aristocratic ancestry or political rank to endure a fate of unemployment and poverty. Most high school graduates of my class were either trapped in idleness or befallen into some depraved circumstance. After three years of restless search for employment, I succumbed to working on my grandmother’s poultry farm. It was hard physical labor, but nonetheless an escape from relentless worry over a wavering economy. I managed the livelihood of five hundred chickens. They were the basis of my family’s income and sustenance.

Local market competition depressed prices, reducing the value of each chicken and business dwindled. I worked longer hours, implemented changes to feed selection, minimized cost, and improved care and the living conditions of our chickens. Gradually, the quality of our chickens surpassed market average by weight and business fluctuated in our direction. My grandmother’s poultry farm gained prestige for producing quality chicken among local customers and professional aviculturists. Our reputation earned credit and borrowing power from banks leading to expansion of our poultry farm. Even the bird flu epidemic had minor impacts on business. Hence, my initial charge of five hundred chickens transformed into two thousand.

My experience and success in managing a poultry farm introduced me to the economic model of supply and demand. I saw the volatility of market prices for chickens changing daily with demand. Flooding local markets with our chickens would depreciate value per unit. With reputation and demand in our favor, we produced enough to meet daily sales and the occasional flux granting us the flexibility to set prices slightly above average. Even as loyal customers failed to pay, I developed a credit system without interest to help my community, earning myself praise and respect.

I observed the monetary dilemma challenging most Moroccans. Their contempt and refusal to conduct business with banks whose adoption of the Western bank model of loans and interests defy the principles of Islamic law. Additionally, banks were so obviously intertwined with the whims of government corruption that most people held on to the cash they earned rather than allocate to savings accounts, thus, limiting cash flow and public access to capital. I spent most of my spare time observing and reading into the stochastic processes of capital markets and empirical issues of banking and finance.

My timeline of defeats, hardships, successes, and humbleness are accomplishments that justify my presence in America. Reflecting on my incredible journey from sleeping in the slums of Morocco to sitting in a packed auditorium at UC Berkeley listening to a lecture on international economics with open thoughts and comments from students is a freedom I have grieved to possess. Because economics is so deeply rooted in the wealth and progression of a nation, I sought to understand and wield its potential for good. To represent the better part of my people and country, to educate the youth without regard to class; to confront dictatorial policy and political corruption reinstating jobs and steering the economy towards global prominence.

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Mounir Fellahi as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for his essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

My major was chosen, ironically, while canvassing for Barack Obama in 2008. Basically, I would go door to door and speak to potential voters and try to convince them to vote for our current president. However, I was never politically astute, and would rely on campaign materials to convey talking points. This ended up being an impossible task since most voter interests are not confined to a couple sheets of paper, and one of my first days canvassing made that fact abundantly clear.

In speaking to a potential voter, an elderly gentleman, I was informed his main interest in the election was the protection of Social Security. Honestly, while I knew of Social Security, it was something I certainly could not discuss intelligently, and an issue the campaign materials did not address sufficiently. Walking away from his doorstep, I was upset with myself that I could not answer his concerns, let alone present myself as a fairly informed canvasser. At that point, I knew I was over my head.

Upon coming home that evening, and what is fairly obvious now, Social Security is basically the cornerstone of the democratic party, and if I had known such, I could have answered the previously mentioned concerns more succinctly. At that point, I decided to devote myself to a fuller understanding of my nation’s history. And I decided to do so not just out of being able to coherently discuss politics, but I felt it was my responsibility as an American citizen to understand our history. Long story made brief, American history has become a passion that consumes and interests me greatly. As a result, I’ve decided to make it my major, and look forward to teaching history upon the completion of my academic career.

As for the obstacles, I can’t say there were many. As my story and GPA attests, I’m studying what I enjoy and am having great success in the process. Furthermore, all of my classes up to this point have been at a community college, which has allowed me the opportunity to sharpen my skills at reasonable prices. However, I am transferring to Loyola in the fall, which creates a tremendous obstacle in regards to financing my education. And that is why I am here in hopes of some assistance in the form of a scholarship.

In regards to the significance of graduating with this degree, there’s many. Obviously, I am studying a subject I thoroughly enjoy, and I plan on teaching in the future. In turn, this degree will allow me the opportunity to give back to my community by living the purposeful life I’ve been searching for. Furthermore, I will be the first college graduate in my family, and I look forward to seeing my mother’s face as I walk across that stage. Finally, college itself and the pursuit of knowledge in itself is a rewarding endeavor.

 JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce David Walker as one of the seven finalists for its August 2012 application deadline. Vote for his essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options in left column), and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

JustJobs is proud to announce the seven finalists for our current scholarship award. We received an unprecedented number of applications for the August 2012 deadline, and the quality of essays was exceptional.  We are very thankful for the registered universities that help us spread the word about our scholarships.

All applicants are graded on the essay which addresses how the applicant chose his/her major, what he/she has accomplished or overcome, and what it means to graduate with his/her chosen degree.  As we read through the essays, we note the student’s passion for area of study, motivation, writing style and how well each essay was crafted.  These seven candidates scored the highest after our review.

Now we need your help in choosing the one scholarship award winner!  The final selection process will involve three different factors – outside voting, comments left by visitors, and JustJobs scholarship committee’s final review of the essays on September 26^th.

Please help us with our selection by voting for your favorite essay (Facebook ‘Like’ and other social media sharing options on the left side of the essays) and by leaving comments or clicking on the star icon at the bottom of the page.

Amber Beigay – Speech Language Pathology at Northeastern University – click here to read Amber’s full essay and vote.

“As an AmeriCorps volunteer I lived below the poverty line so that I could work with the children from a place of mutual understanding. Although challenging, that experience has become synergized with my passion to change societal structures that impede equal opportunities for people with communication disorders. I believe that communication disorders create a population of people on the margins of society that need to be served and advocated for, and as a speech-language pathologist I will have the opportunity to do this very justice.” 

Chelsea Brehm – Masters of Business Administration at Duke University – click here to read Chelsea’s full essay and vote.

“In our global economy, it is important to use business to improve the standard of living and to create sustainable prosperity. From expansions in manufacturing to distribution to retail, higher paying jobs are created, thereby improving people’s standard of living. By pursuing my career goals in the industry of consumer brands and products, I can significantly impact economic growth and development across Africa.”

Mounir Fellahi – Economics at University of California Berkeley – click here to read Mounir’s full essay and vote. 

“Reflecting on my incredible journey from sleeping in the slums of Morocco to sitting in a packed auditorium at UC Berkeley listening to a lecture on international economics with open thoughts and comments from students is a freedom I have grieved to possess. Because economics is so deeply rooted in the wealth and progression of a nation, I sought to understand and wield its potential for good. To represent the better part of my people and country, to educate the youth without regard to class; to confront dictatorial policy and political corruption reinstating jobs and steering the economy towards global prominence.”

Ashley Kempczynski – Law at Georgetown University – click here to read Ashley’s full essay and vote.

“My initial interest in law arose from my early experiences in the court system to escape my abusive father.  Thanks to an army of supportive attorneys and sympathetic judges, we obtained a protection from abuse order and established mandated child support.  I acknowledge that my current position is thanks to the aid of others and the grace of God. Seeing the ability of the legal system to make a difference in the lives of ordinary people has made me want to help others navigate the system.”

Caleb Spiegel – Architecture at Iowa State University – click here to read Caleb’s full essay and vote.

“Through the years, my grandfather and I have finished countless projects in his workshop.  One day, I will inherit the tools lining those sawdust-covered walls.  But the tools I carry with me everyday are of more value than any of these.  I know the knowledge I have gained from my time with my grandfather will provide motivation and bring me success with any situation I face throughout my pursuit and realization of a career in architecture.  It is my promise to uphold his high standards of quality and work ethic in everything I do.”

Jeremy Tran – Biomedical Sciences at University of Central Florida – click here to read Jeremy’s full essay and vote.

“The ultimate goal of biomedical sciences is to better understand human life in hopes to improve it. To graduate with a degree in this field I would fulfill this very objective: to lessen the physical suffering of human life. Through research, I will explore various natural ailments through which humans must endure in hopes to find a cure. This degree is my chance to prove that despite us being a rare cosmic incident, humanity can and will survive whatever obstacles lie ahead.”

David Walker – History at Loyola University Chicago – click here to read David’s full essay and vote.

“My major was chosen, ironically, while canvassing for Barack Obama in 2008. I decided to devote myself to a fuller understanding of my nation’s history – not just out of being able to coherently discuss politics, but I felt it was my responsibility as an American citizen to understand our history. As a result, I’ve decided to make it my major, and look forward to teaching history upon the completion of my academic career.”

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce the three finalists for the April round of applications. They are:

• Kaitlyn Behnke
  
• Jillian Dull
• Theresa Godfrey

The final selection process will involve three different factors – outside voting (look for the thumbs icon at the bottom of the essays), comments left by visitors, and the scholarship committee’s final review on Monday, May 21.

Please help us with our selection by voting for your favorite essay and/or leaving a comment to help your favorite applicant!

JustJobs.com’s scholarship program is proud to announce Kaitlyn Behnke as one of the three finalists for its April deadline application. Vote for her essay by clicking the thumbs up button at the bottom of the page, and/or leave comments of support to help us with the selection process.

Kaitlyn Behnke’s Essay:

How did you choose your major? What obstacles have you had to overcome and what will it mean to you to graduate with this degree?

I’ve always known I wanted to work in the medical field.  My mother is a RN, and I still today look up to here as my role model.  When I was a sophomore in high school, my mother became mentally ill and was hospitalized for months at a time.  I was determined to keep my family together, and started my journey into the medical field by becoming a CNA and working in a local nursing home.  While working to help with family bills, participating in sports and band, and holding positions in student government, I found it to be incredibly important to maintain my position as number one in my class for the sake of my future.  My dream of following my mother’s footsteps never faded, even when she was so sick and unable to hold her role as a nurse that inspired me in the first place.  

I soon learned on my own why I wanted to become a nurse.  After caring for the elderly in the nursing home, I found a benefit besides the little money I earned to help out my family.  I found the warmth and indescribable feeling of helping another who has basically nothing.  The people I worked with had little family to visit with, and many times didn’t understand why they were in the nursing home in the first place.  I had the opportunity to give them comfort, love, and hope.  These things, I find are much more valuable than the simple acts I perform that are listed under my job description such as personal cares.  The opportunity to give someone hope, is why I decided to advance my career into nursing.  With this decision, also came the obstacle of money.

With my mother still unemployed, and my father on full-time disability for his degenerative spine, I struggled to get enough financial assistance for my first year of college.  To help cover some of the cost, I accepted a job in a hospital and for a semester worked full time.  This past year, my mother finally recovered and is now holding a job.  This fortunate event comes with the struggle to get financial aid from the government due to the increase in income.  I am now working in the hospital and find this job even more inspiring.  Many days when I think about giving up, I have had my patient thank me for everything I have done, and tell me I will make a great nurse someday.  These words keep me going, they give me hope, just as I give hope to my patients.  Becoming a nurse is what drives me through my everyday life.  To graduate from my program, means I can do more for my patients.  It means I can be a role model for someone someday as a hero, as a person of hope, as a nurse.