Goodrich Scholarship Program
Memories of Goodrich
Looking back, I likely wouldn't have attended a university without this scholarship and wouldn't have made the lifelong friendships that I did. Goodrich allowed me to have the full college experience without having to worry about how I was going to pay for my tuition. I remember being extremely homesick for the first few weeks and didn't know anyone, but I was lucky enough to have made some of my best friends thanks to Goodrich.
The Goodrich Program had a profound impact on my life and I can't think of a time when I've experienced more personal growth. I was exposed to many different points of view and challenged to back up my opinions instead of making blanket statements without any real thought or basis. I learned to think critically and how to express those thoughts through clear and concise writing. Pushed by my professors to reach my highest potential, I attribute many of my personal and professional achievements to the training and preparation Goodrich provided.
Having so much support from instructors, staff and peers encouraging me that I could succeed. Also, not having to worry about tuition was a big stress reliever and it reinforced the determination to succeed. The personal touch that many instructor employed to guide all the students to overcome obstacles and succeed. It was very encouraging, and because they would address us in small groups, in seemed personal and made us determined.
It provided a support system with understanding professors especially for general education classes. Whenever I needed assistance I knew that I could count on the faculty's help or on them to assist me in finding the right help.
The Goodrich Scholarship Program had a huge impact on me. I remember getting the news of being awarded the scholarship and the excitement and relief I felt. As a first-generation college student from a low-income household, this scholarship allowed me to focus on my studies and not worry about how I would be able to pay tuition each semester. My favorite memory from being a Goodricher is when I went to pick up my graduation cords. I hadn't been to the Goodrich suite much in my busy senior year, but it still felt like home when I walked in. I'll always remember the tears in Patty's eyes as she handed me the cords and wrapped me in the tightest hug to say congratulations and goodbye. Goodrich is a family I am so happy to be a part of.
The Goodrich Program had a profound impact on my life and I can't think of a time when I've experienced more personal growth. I was exposed to many different points of view and challenged to back up my opinions instead of making blanket statements without any real thought or basis. I learned to think critically and how to express those thoughts through clear and concise writing. Pushed by my professors to reach my highest potential, I attribute many of my personal and professional achievements to the training and preparation Goodrich provided.
The Goodrich program provided the financial support necessary to attend college; equally important, it provided a structured and supportive learning environment that both challenged and encouraged me. And, even as a graduate, I feel such pride in the work the program has done for SO MANY others. . .and continues to do so.
Goodrich surrounded me around faculty who truly made it feel like the sky is the limit. That even when I aim high and miss, everything will be okay. That failure is 100x better than aiming low and being satisfied.
When I turned 20, my friends from Goodrich took me out and gave me two presents that changed my life. The first was a grey cardigan, which made
me look more like Dr. Wuebben (my favorite Goodrich professor) and the second was a jar. In that jar were colored popsicle sticks with various
pieces of advise or memories written on them. Each color corresponded to a mood like "When you're feeling happy" or "Need some advise." At the
time I was grateful, but the true impact came later. A few months later to be exact. That's when I would live through the single worst day of my life
and circumstances arose that rendered me unable able to talk about it. I'll never forget stepping into my room, starting to cry, and seeing that jar on
the shelf and the cardigan in my closet. Reading those sticks while wearing that cardigan reminded me that even when no one else could know how
I felt, the Goodrich community was there for me. Goodrich understood me when I didn't understand myself, supported me without being rewarded,
and listened as long as I needed to talk. For those of you that don't know, I can talk A LOT. Like. A lot a lot. For all of that, along with half a million
others I can't fit here, I am forever grateful.
Goodrich offered an educational community to me. During my days at UNO, it was still mostly a commuter school- people came to classes and left. It was a challenge to connect with other students or with staff and professors. Goodrich gave me the opportunity to make strong connections with other Goodrich students, the Goodrich staff, and professors. Goodrich's curriculum also expanded my learning opportunities and allowed me to grow the confidence that I needed to succeed in academics.
My favorite memory as a member of the Goodrich community was going on a Costa Rica service trip led by Troy. It was a once in a lifetime experience for me and I'm so glad I took advantage of the opportunity.