|
Featured
Scholar | Scholar
Quotes | High School Representation
 |
| Dorothy
Lau, recipient of 1999 Visionary Leader Award, at Whistler,
Colorado during Winter Break 2001. |
Meritus Scholars
write to their donors twice a year to share their college experience-the
successes and challenges encountered each semester or quarter. Scholars
in turn receive moral support and professional advice from their
Meritus donors, mentors, board members and the Meritus manager.
Many Meritus
Scholars face significant financial, personal and educational challenges
while attending college. In their letters, Scholars discuss their
many achievements: attaining good grades, securing research positions
and internships, studying a semester abroad, club and volunteer
events, and others. Scholars also note their struggles: difficult
roommates, challenging professors, homesickness, trying to choose
a major, growing up, and sometimes choosing a path divergent from
their families. Scholars' letters also reflect their deep gratitude
towards the Meritus donors who provide not only financial support,
but also the affirming belief that each Scholar can achieve their
educational dreams.
Excerpts
from Scholar Update Letters
Featured
Scholar | 1996 | 1997
| 1998 | 1999
| 2000 | 2001 | 2002
1996
- The First Meritus Scholar
Diana Wang-Louie, recipient of 1996 First Award (GWHS), graduated in 2000 from Santa Clara University. Currently a Marketing Manager for a Fortune 500 company, mother of 2 little boys and wife to her college sweetheart.
"Meritus
has helped me a great deal in endless ways. Without the financial
support from Meritus throughout my four years of college, I would
not be able to attend my first choice of university and have such
a rich experience. I also feel I have become part of the Meritus
family who truly cares about my success and happiness. This support
has truly helped me succeed throughout my college years. I always
look forward to sharing my college experiences at the Meritus
meetings and invites to Henry and Karin Safrit's home for dinner
over the holidays. Having the Safrits at my graduation ceremony
last June was truly an honor. I can't thank (my donors) enough
for their support."
Back
to the Top
1997
Meritus Scholars
Kelly Lau,
recipient of 1997 Seven Sisters Award, graduated in 2001, with a
double major in Biology and Economics; currently employed as a claims
analyst.
"Please
allow me to express my heartfelt appreciation for Meritus' support
in me. Meritus provided me with the much needed financial support
in paying for expensive travel expenses, textbooks, and supplies.
Because of Meritus' support for me for the last four years, I
did not need to work as much to pay for school expenses, and I
was able to use my free time to concentrate more on my school
work and campus activities."
Back to the Top
1998
Meritus Scholars Otis Cobb,
recipient of 1998 Nello Pace Award, currently a senior, studying
History.
"This
letter is to thank you for your continuous support in helping
to finance my educational goals and to update you on my current
progress. With a year to complete as a History major, I have been
able to count on the Nello Pace Award donors for their support
over the course of four years. Meritus donors, in addition to
showing an unwavering confidence in my ability, also offered encouraging
advice. For this I thank you.
A grueling
and frustrating semester, Fall 2001 may have just been my best
semester yet. In addition to having a newsletter circulating around
campus as part of my work, I finally received an "A" from the most brilliant, challenging and interesting professor
I have taken at the University.
The success
I have experienced this Fall semester has only been possible with
the help of the Meritus Scholarship Fund and (my) donors. With
(classes) absorbing my time and attention, I have not been able
to work to earn income for this semester. Meritus' unwavering
support gave me the confidence to meet this semester's academic
challenge even as I surprised myself with what I accomplished.
I know I can continue to count on Meritus whether it's dinner
parties or sound advice over the telephone. Thank you for your
support and may you continue to make the dreams of economically
disadvantaged students come true."
Kisha Burdett:
recipient of 1998 Medical Group Award, currently a senior studying
Health Management, and a featured speaker at Meritus Awards Ceremony
May 2001.
"I have
been so busy with classes, internship, and sorority life. I am
presently interning with the Department of Health in the Department
of Disability and Surveillance Intervention. I have been asked
to continue my internship with the Department of Health this summer,
and I will be accepting the offer. Also, this summer I will be
going to South Africa (Cape Town) with University Campus Crusade
For Christ. I would like for you to pray for me with my endeavors.
I have another surprise! For the fall semester I will be participating
in a study abroad program out of the country. I know you want
to know where? I will be interning with Cancer BACUP in London,
England. I know I will have so much fun and experience a new culture.
I hope everything is going well and God bless you !!!"
Back
to the Top
1999
Meritus Scholars
Clara Chu:
recipient of 1999 Meritus Family Award, currently a junior, studying
sociology with a minor in Communications.
"Without
the Meritus foundation, a lot of what I've done would not have
been possible. The financial burden was a great part of where
I decided to attend college. Since receiving the Meritus Award,
I have taken pride in telling others about this scholarship (other
scholarships are only for one year without any interaction with
donors, a part which I value very much) and the prestige it involves
since it is a select few who receive the awards each year. Having
contact with my donors has helped me, consistently e-mailing me
with advice when I've asked for it. I commend (Meritus) for their
unwavering dependability. As a student, there is nothing more
encouraging than knowing that someone is always there to help."
Dorothy
Lau, recipient of 1999 Visionary Leader Award, currently at
junior, studying molecular and cell biology.
"Receiving
the Meritus award means a lot more to me than money. My donor
group are now my friends who listen and help me (when I) encounter
problems in college. The award also brought me a valuable chance
to observe surgeries by (shadowing) my donor. These are bonuses
that I didn't expect when I first receive the award!"
Helen Tong,
recipient of 1999 San Francisco II Award, currently a junior, studying
Communications and Sociology.
"Receiving
Meritus Award is such a blessing from God. It truly allows me
to expand my horizon to the world and to look deeper into life
by providing me with financial support to college. College life
is such a fruitful time where I can further develop myself academically,
personally, socially and spiritually. As a sophomore this year
(2001), I have realized that grades are important, increasing
knowledge is important, but what is most important is that grades
and knowledge can help to make life more meaningful and fulfilling."
Back
to the Top
2000
Meritus Scholars
Karen Truong
recipient of 2000 Snow Family Award, currently a sophomore studying
ecology, behavior, and evolution.
"Meritus
has been the greatest door to opportunity that I've ever had.
A year has almost passed and college has been a great experience,
only made possible by the support from everyone at Meritus. Meritus
has given me the opportunity to attend a great college, a far
different experience than if I would have attended (a college
close to home). I've learned since then my own independence, with
the responsibilities and excitement of living in Los Angeles.
Meritus
recognizes students as creators of the future. The experience
of working towards a scholarship has made me realize my full potential
as a student, my own individualism, and my uniqueness. Coming
from a low-income family of 6, I've always felt as only a face
in the crowd, but Meritus forced me to recognize my struggles
as character and a motivation to succeed. At the end of every
quarter, I write my progress letter to my donor and to Meritus,
feeling as though someone cares about my progress and success.
With the encouragement from everyone at Meritus, I can now see
that not only can I succeed under challenges, obstacles, and my
own fears, but also I will be acknowledged."
Sara Quinto:
recipient of 2000 Alta Award, currently a Junior studying Political
Science.
"After
I received the Alta Award, it filled me with the confidence I
needed to determine where I would attend college. I knew that
people had entrusted in me not only their money but their confidence
that I would continue to pursue an education. As the first in
my family to attend college, it gave me a sense that other people
believed in me. I believe the confidence Meritus had in me encouraged
me to apply for an internship this summer with the Congressional
Hispanic Caucus Institute. In about 4 days I will be leaving for
Washington D.C. to pursue my political science ambition. Thank
you Meritus!!!!"
Jackson
Wai: recipient of 2000 Foster Family Award, currently a sophomore
studying Computer Science.
"I came
to realize that college is something that asked for more than
myself. I realized that the cost of going to a college away from
home is something my low-income family of five is going to struggle
for. But the Meritus Scholarship helped me in a way that I can
go to college with less worries about paying the tuition fee on
time, and working so many hours to cover my rent.
Additionally,
getting to know my award donor family, the Foster Family, is something
encouraging as well. I am actually happy to have a new group of
audience that will listen to my latest news, both good and bad,
and applaud my endeavors in college. Now I can always be sure
that there's my audience: myself, my family, the Foster Family,
expecting my humor and achievements in everything I do in college.
Having this audience makes me double sure that I will try harder
in whatever I may get into myself, and thus, fueling my desire
to push my potential.
I thank
Meritus and the Foster Family for providing me a scholarship that
changes my life in a superb way. So kudos to the Meritus Fund
for believing in me and the rest of the Meritus Scholars, and
working so hard to provide us with direction and much help."
Back
to the Top
2001
Scholars
Maria "Cherry" Garcia Ordonez: recipient of 2001 Lori Lopez Memorial Award,
freshman studying Development Studies; featured speaker at Meritus
Awards Ceremony May 2001. - excerpt from her speech:
"First
of all, I'd like to thank my fellow scholarship recipients, and
I'd also like to thank my donor. I'd like to tell you about that
day I received my award letter. I remember letting the envelop
sit in my hands for a while, wondering if I won the scholarship
or not. You start to question your self-worth, if you've left
an imprint in those judges, if they valued your experience.
If you're
anything like me, this award means more than just a "way out" of that hole you're in. It justifies all the hardships you've
endured, the hard work your parents do for you, and that all that
adversity you survived is after all, not in vain. I realized that
there are people out there who want you to succeed, that there
are people who are rooting for you. To my fellow scholars, I hope
that on your climb on that corporate ladder, you take as many
others as you can with you, because I know I will!"
Khamis Zananiri:
recipient of 2002 Viva Award; Business.
"Thank
you very much for the scholarship. I cannot tell you how thankful
my family is for the help that your family has given us financially.
I enrolled undeclared in the school of business because business
is something that I am good at and enjoy. One good thing about
my situation is that I already have some experience and I can
apply the things I learned in school immediately to my family's
business.
My first
semester went very well. I am very happy about my grades especially
because I was also playing on the baseball team!!! One thing that
I know and now have experienced is that college trains you to
balance your schedule, whether it's working or joining a club;
you must balance your schedule to succeed. I will continue to
work hard both in school and on the baseball diamond because I
know that the goals that I have set are not easy to achieve but
with hard work and persistence, I believe I can accomplish them.
Thank You again from my family to your family for the financial
assistance that your family has been able to give us."
La'Shey
Houff: recipient of the 2001 Strasbaugh Award, Nursing and Music.
"I can't
stop thanking you for believing in me and giving me that extra
hand so that I can pursue my dreams. During my first semester
it seemed as if I was free. I was at a new school, with new adventures
and a bunch of new people to meet. I studied with different people
of different races and cultures and I had a wonderful time doing
so.
This semester
I had five classes. It was like a wake up call to show me that
college is much different than high school. It made me work harder
so I could be happy about the work I do. My math class started
off to be easy but then it started to pick up so I got myself
a tutor to help me every Wednesday with the things that I did
not understand. He was great and his method for making me understand
was unbelievable.
I am usually
faced with many obstacles and I have to learn to try to pick myself
up, dust myself off, and try again. I really am trying to keep
myself motivated so that I can achieve what people in my family
have not achieved. When I got into college I could feel a change
that suddenly came over me- it was I was finally happy about the
things I achieved. I received good grades this semester and I
am hoping to keep this up for spring semester as well."
Back to the Top
2002 Scholars
Jessica Serrano, Meritus 2002 Scholar, graduate of Lowell High School, University of San Francisco.
"The fall semester went by quicker than I expected. I took 17 units and passed all my classes with A's. I am very proud of myself because I worked and studied diligently, either at the library or at home. During finals, the library was practically my second home. The semester was not easy; Quantitative Business for Analysis was my hardest class and I had a rough start. But, forming study groups helped to review before the tests and helped me understand the material more. And, was a pleasant way to study with my classmates.
As for my work-study job, I continued working for America Reads at Marshall Elementary's after-school program: St. John's Threshold Tutoring Center. I individually tutored two fifth-graders, Nestor and Norma and a third-grader, Madeleine. I also worked in a classroom setting, helping third-grade students with their homework. I had another fun semester working with them, even though at times I felt as though I was not reaching the students. Many had a hard time concentrating and comprehending the material. But, my faith was re-enforced when I received a sweet letter in the mail from a tutee. (See photo of Jessica with tutees and the letter she received.)
Unfortunately, because of my class schedule in the spring, I cannot return to work as an America Reads Tutor at the school. On my last day as a tutor, I was heart broken leaving them. The coordinator encouraged me to keep in touch and visit whenever I had time. I promised myself that I would volunteer at the school and just to keep in touch with the brilliant children. As others have helped me in my education, I want to continue doing the same."
2003 Scholars
Grace Zeng,
UC Santa Cruz – Psych/East Asian Studies
"I really enjoyed my Intro to Teaching class this semester, and somewhere inside of me have always considered the teaching profession as my future career, probably in an elementary school. According to psychology, children’s personalities will be stabilized by age twelve. I want to teach because I have the passion to help shape the next generation to be able to make wise decisions and to think critically so that they can discriminate between right and wrong for themselves. I think I’d like to teach fifth graders who are about to become adolescents. Therefore, I have decided that after I graduate I will apply to UCSC’s teaching program. You know, after finding my goal for the future, I feel a lot of relief.
Anyways, my plan for this summer is to travel in Japan again. Thanks to your support and donation, I have this extra fund to go to Japan to study again. In terms next quarter, I am enrolled in Children’s Thinking, Abnormal Psychology, and Modern East Asia. Modern East Asia is my last class for my East Asian Studies minor - after this class, I am finished with my minor.
Once again, I want to use this opportunity to say, “thank you.” Thank you for your support of another year. It means a lot to me. I Wish everything goes well with you."
2004 Scholars
Tracy Zhu, Mt. Holyoke — Environmental Studies
"The course that I was most passionate and excited about during the Spring semester was an environmental studies seminar called Urban Ecology. This community-based learning course worked in collaboration with a local grassroots organization, Nuestras Raíces. At the end of the semester, our hard work paid off when we presented an air pollution manual to Nuestras Raíces and received Mt. Holyoke’s award for outstanding community-based research and service.
Just as I was becoming very comfortable, I find myself moving on – to the other side of the globe! I applied and was accepted to a study abroad program in Vietnam for the upcoming fall semester. With my newfound passion for environmental justice, I hope to create a relationship with established groups in Ho Chi Minh City to understand how the country’s history of war has changed the people’s relationship with their environment. My goal is to make connections between historical policies and the people’s shifting interactions with their surrounding environment.
As I enter the second half of my college education on the other side of the world, my perceptions of my future begins to shift. Should I be thinking about graduate school? Should I be recording my life on my résumé? Should I be traveling as much as I can or should I strengthen my relationship with my family? Do I want to stay in the Bay Area or should I live in another part of the world and start anew after college? One aspect of me that has not changed since entering college is that I never stop asking questions and I am never complacent with a comfort zone. I will continue to take challenges head on. I would like to thank National League for Women’s Service Foundation for believing in my ability to grow and prosper. Thank you for being a part of my supportive network that has made possible opportunities, such as studying abroad for a semester. The Meritus College Fund has been more than just financial support – it has open doors to experiences that I value and keep close to my heart."
2005 Scholars
Almaz Nigusse, Sonoma State — Undeclared
"I would like to once again thank you for making my first year of college possible both financially and with all your emotional support. If it was not for your financial help, I would’ve had to work more hours, which would had cause me to focus less in school and become more concerned about finding a way to work since I don’t own a car and the transportation around Sonoma State does not have a steady schedule.
My first year in college was full of many surprises of life, new experiences, meeting great people whom I learn many things from. I have to say, I felt more like I was at home as I started my second semester at Sonoma State University. I started to find my sense of place in the community of the school, which made things go a lot smoother for me. Black Student Union is one organization that has made me feel welcome on campus. The members who have been there few years have given me some brilliant advice about school and life in Sonoma County.
Black Student Union has also provided me a leadership role as a host for black scholars, mostly high school students from Los Angeles. The purpose was for me to take the students to their workshops and let them spend the night in my dorm so they can get a feel of what college is like, particularly Sonoma State. It was also to help bring diversity onto campus since our school is not diverse. I am proud to say two of the girls that I hosted are attending Sonoma State next semester.
Thank you once again for supporting me to become successful to make my dreams and goals in life happen. I discovered during my first year in college that I need to find more resources and find the study technique that works for me, and I feel I’ve accomplished that. With all your help I am certain that I will stay in college and make you proud to have supported me."
Back
to the Top
|
