Volume 1 | Issue 1
Spring
2009
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An overview of the Carolina Family Scholarship
How to give to the Carolina Family Scholarship
‘I am blessed to be where I am today, with the help of Carolina’
By Jane Webster Deese, Receptionist - University Advancement
Chelsea and Jane
Time passed quickly, and by elementary school she was dreaming of being a teacher, a vet, a dancer. The list went on, and it still does.
Chelsea began her high school years with excitement and wonder. She became her own person, her own self. She always dreamed of college after high school. No other choices were on her agenda. There were no other plans to consider. As a parent, I wanted her to have a future larger than my own.
I’ll never forget the day she met me in our driveway after work – waving a letter and jumping up and down – she had received the Carolina Family Scholarship award letter.
Time passed quickly, and led to big decisions: graduation, applying to college, admission and enrollment at East Carolina University. It was time to make her dreams a reality.
Chelsea had the drive and the moral support, as well as solid grades from Eastern Alamance High School. She had some help through financial aid and a loan – but she still needed more. The Carolina Family Scholarship Fund helped make college a reality. I looked online for information, and I knew that Chelsea would qualify. It was up to her to apply, though, and she did.
I’ll never forget the day she met me in our driveway after work – waving a letter and jumping up and down – she had received the Carolina Family Scholarship award letter.
As well as helping with tuition, this gave her added confidence – a real boost in pride. She was so honored to receive this award. I was also thrilled and relieved at the same time. Getting ready for college is stressful enough and this just lifted our spirits to a new high. We are still excited about this scholarship, and the ongoing help for all four of Chelsea’s college years.
Chelsea is enjoying her time in Greenville. She told me: “Since coming to college, I feel that I have truly started to define who I am. I am blessed to be where I am today, with the help of Carolina.”
As for me, I am so proud of Chelsea. I am also proud to experience both goals of this program: to help the children of UNC employees attend college, and also to create a sense of community among UNC faculty, staff and administration by working toward this common goal.