Winter 2007

Student letters tell stories of success, opportunity

Each year, the Division of University Advancement receives hundreds of letters from students, thanking donors for their gifts to create a scholarship or support an existing one. Students relate all kinds of experiences or express insights they’ve received as a result of this support. The excerpts here demonstrate why the writers are so thankful and apply equally to all who choose to support Miami students through scholarships.

For love…
“I believe Miami is like an extended family. No matter where you are from, you are a part of the Miami unit and I hope that I could contribute to Miami in the near future.”

“The one thing that really stood out to me upon touring Miami … was the love and pride that the students and alumni clearly showed. It was when I witnessed this that I knew I had to be part of such an atmosphere. Your donation is evidence of this tremendous pride.”

“I have truly enjoyed my time at Miami University and am proud to say that I will soon be a graduate of such an outstanding university.”

For honor…
“After graduating high school, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and began an amazing journey that is still continuing today. This scholarship… is a proud reminder of a military tradition that I am honored to have been a part of.”

“I hope to one day reciprocate the generosity shown to me by giving back to Miami and therefore allowing another young adult the chance to receive an amazing education.”

“I am confident that due to my education from Miami University, I will be well prepared for a successful career in any endeavor that I pursue upon graduation.”

For achievement…
“It really feels good that we are contributing something to science through all the research we do in our laboratory at Miami.”

“Thanks to your generosity, I was able to participate in one of the business school’s international summer programs. I traveled through China, South Korea and Japan for six weeks.”

“Even though I believe I have accomplished a variety of goals in my life thus far, I have numerous ambitions which I have yet to fulfill. Consequently, I will continue to work determinedly to not simply become the best student I can be, but rather to become the best overall and most conscientious individual I can.”

For opportunity…
“I am originally from Malaysia and from a poor family background. Though I had to start working in sweat shops when I was 8 as well as go through difficult phases in my life to support my family, I am constantly blessed by people like you who make education accessible for poor people like me… Miami’s MBA program has helped me improve my communications and business skills. I am amazed at how much I have changed in the past six months.”

“I come from a large family of seven children and my father owns a small plumbing and heating company while my mother takes care of my many siblings. As the oldest of seven, in a family with limited resources, I have always had to provide for my needs. I am responsible for 100 percent of my college expenses… Your financial support has allowed me to continue my studies and take advantage of all the wonderful opportunities available to me here at Miami University.”

“I must pay for all of my college tuition, books, rent, utilities, groceries, etc. – so I am thankful for any and all assistance in paying my fees.”

For making the world a better place.
“I want to spend my life working in education and improving the world around me that has already given me so much. You are a part of that.”

“I was just accepted this past week for the 2007 Teach for America Corps. I will be teaching English in the Mississippi Delta region, an area with extremely low literacy rates and extremely high poverty rates.”

“One area of focus that I am very passionate about is the world AIDS crisis. This summer, I spent five weeks volunteering in Ghana, Africa, in a hospital. This was an incredibly life-changing and enriching experience. This would not be possible without people like you.”

Many of the letters close, as this student’s does:
“Honestly, there are no words for me to describe to you my gratitude for your generous gift. Thank you.”