Dear South Bend-Elkhart Foundation, February 22, 2021
First, I would like to express my gratitude to each one of you by saying THANK YOU for the scholarship contribution to my education and for selecting me as the Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient.
I want to share a true story I had with one of my closest friends. I had a conversation by phone in 2017 as we talked about school and that I had not finished high school. During the conversation, he asked if I thought of going back to school to get my GED. I can remember my exact words; at this point in my life, I felt that it was not significant enough because I will never move forward needing my diploma due to my age and many other issues.
My journey had not started yet; that same year, an advertisement came on TV about The Excel Center for Adults getting their high school diploma over the Christmas Holiday. That night it hit me, and I thought, what do I have to lose, nothing but everything to gain. I applied! After the first of the new year, I met with the life coach at The Excel Center, who enrolled me in school the best decision I made.
Since then, I have met some excellent teachers, professors, coaches, and advisers along the way, especially here at Ivy Tech Community College. My fire’s lit now, and I cannot stop. It seems I cannot get enough of education as the days go faster and my determination continues to embark on the next journey. I have now been with Ivy Tech Community for a year and have another year to receive my associate degree in Applied Science in Paralegal studies.
However, this is not the end as I am planning to study International Affairs and Law. I am looking to attend college for one year abroad and return to Indiana to complete my final year and then receiving my bachelor’s degree. My long-term goal is to obtain a degree in Business Law and or International Law. Once getting my degree, my career goal is to work within a law firm or becoming a corporate lawyer. Your contribution has made me five-steps closer to reaching my goals, not worrying about some of the financial commitments but focusing on my studies. My educational and professional growth will allow me to make a positive contribution, and I genuinely believe in giving back to help others in my local community. The direction in my journey has been positive, with much success and pride. I will continue my progress in fulfilling my goal to complete my education.
Again, thank you so much for your financial investment in the contribution toward my education and all who played a part in selecting me as the Chancellor’s Scholarship Recipient.
Sincerely,
Greg McDowell-Dresden
Written by: Greg MD
Greg MD Blog 
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