“It is through your kindness and generosity, that I, and many others, have the opportunity to attend a world-class institution.”
How did you learn about UChicago? When did you first know that UChicago was the right college for you?
I learned about UChicago through the Sutton Trust Program, a program that guides low-income students from state schools in the UK with their applications to top US colleges. After extensive discussion with some of the people in the program, we agreed that UChicago would be a really good fit for me. Both the thirst for knowledge and commitment to academic pursuit were some of the characteristics people in the program believed I had, which would make the school a good fit for me. After talking to some international students who were already enrolled in the College at the time, I knew it was the right place for me.
What is the most important thing you’ve learned since arriving on campus?
I think the most important thing I’ve learned since arriving on campus is how to properly formulate and defend an argument. This has been achieved through writing seminars, working with the writing tutors, and of course my time in the humanities class (Philosophical Perspectives). Being able to formulate and defend an argument ultimately led to my producing strong and rigid papers in my humanities courses by the end of the winter quarter. This of course not only translates to well-developed papers in other courses that require them, but also the clarity of my verbal discourse and debating has dramatically improved, as a result.
What has your UChicago experience been like outside of the classroom?
My experience outside the classroom has been a very diverse one. I have participated in a range of activities ranging from sailing to volunteering for the Neighborhood Schools Program, to being part of the Latino Society on campus. I have also made significant progress toward my career prospects; I have just returned from an externship in New York. I also still find time to do things to better myself, such as working at the circulation desk for 19 hours a week in Regenstein Library, working out, and having profound conversations with my peers until two in the morning.
If you could speak directly to the person whose gift supported your scholarship, what would you say?
I just wanted to say, from the bottom of my heart, thank you. It is through your kindness and generosity, that I, and many others, have the opportunity to attend a world-class institution. You have given us the chance to truly become somebody. To be able to do something meaningful with our lives, and to make the most of whatever time we have left. Through your donation, you gave a gift of fixed value to the University. But a value cannot be placed on the precious gift you gave me, and others, in the process. So I just wanted to say thank you.
