Yvonne V.

2009 Scholarships.com Resolve To Evolve Scholarship Winner

Scholarships.com: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

Yvonne V: I envision myself in 10 years as a visiting professor at the Complutense University of Madrid, teaching Introduction to Social Theory. It is my hope to be involved in a non-profit organization that assists Colombian immigrants to get fully incorporated into Spanish society.

SDC: How do you think a college education will help you get there and what would you say to students about the importance of a college education?

YV: A college education is essential in part because it is a requirement to pursue doctoral study. Furthermore, a college degree is essential in providing the research skills and academic foundation to become a sociology professor.

SDC: Winning a scholarship means different things to different students. What does your scholarship mean to you, or why do you feel it is a significant accomplishment?

YV: Scholarships.com is making it possible to prolong my experience in Madrid. The scholarship will enable me to take sociology courses in Spanish at the native speaker level. Because of this scholarship my speaking abilities (and hopefully soon my writing skills) have advanced to a superior level. My studies in Madrid will enable me to conduct research in Spanish and have greater employment and educational opportunities.

SDC: Where do you go to school, and why do you attend that school?

YV: I am a student at DePaul University in Chicago. I chose to study at DePaul because of its well-known and unique service learning programs.

SDC: What do you think about college life so far?

YV: College life is incredible because it exposes me to the academic, employment, and social networking opportunities that I never thought I would be able to access.

SDC: What advice would you give to the class of seniors who are now making decisions about their college careers?

YV: There is something for everyone in college, so give it a try. And even if you are not the best student, try applying for scholarships. Grow some thick skin because you might receive 20 rejection letters, but that one acceptance letter may be the $10,000 or, in my case, the $1,000 scholarship you need to realize your dreams.