Sarah Simeonoff
During a recent meeting, the topic of supporting our students facing drops in their grades and GPAs was discussed, and it prompted a powerful reflection on my own journey that I'd like to share with you all today.
I was fortunate to receive a KEF scholarship for my first year of undergraduate studies. Alongside that, I had also earned a full ride from ASU, which made the KEF scholarship particularly meaningful for me, helping with books and easing the financial load.
However, as the first year progressed, my grades took a significant hit, and I lost my full-ride scholarship. My GPA also dropped to a level where I couldn't apply for KEF scholarships for a period, and the shame I felt led me to disengage from KEF entirely. I simply vanished, unable to face the organization that had supported me.
It wasn't until later, during my time at First Alaskans, that I crossed paths with KEF’s Scholarship Manager. To my astonishment, she recognized my name and remembered every detail of my scholarship applications. It was then that I realized KEF was an organization that genuinely cared about its recipients, no matter the twists and turns of their academic journeys.
Now, as a member of the KEF board, I find myself reflecting on how we can extend this same care and support to our students, particularly when they face academic challenges. My thought is that if we can share stories like mine—how my GPA suffered, how I faced adversity, and how KEF remained a steadfast support—it might lessen the fear and shame students often feel about their grades.
It's essential to convey that setbacks in academics can happen to anyone, even to someone who is now pursuing a PhD and serving on this remarkable board. By sharing these stories and emphasizing that academic challenges are a part of the learning journey, we can create an environment where students feel encouraged to seek help and persevere through difficulties.
So, we strive to continue to be that beacon of support for our students, showing them that KEF is not just an organization that provides scholarships but one that truly cares about their success, no matter the obstacles they face.
Together, we can inspire and empower the next generation of leaders.
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