Recipients

I would like to thank you, from the bottom, of my heart, for your generosity and dedication to the education of students as well as the Jefferies community. Thanks to your generous donations, attending Syracuse University became financially possible for me. I would just like to let you know that your kindness isn’t going unnoticed or unappreciated.

I went to school to learn Armenian; Hovnanian Armenian served as my elementary school until the 5th grade when I transferred to Upper Saddle River's public middle school. I continued on to Northern Highlands Regional High School, where I graduated with high honors and was accepted into The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art. I currently study Civil Engineering there, maintaining leadership status in all Civil Engineering related extra-curricular activities. I also created an orchestra at school, where I serve as concertmaster on the violin, an instrument I am still playing, 17 years after I began. I currently work for the structural engineering firm Ysrael Seinuk Consulting Engineers.

I would like to thank the JFS Board of Directors, JFS Selection Committee, and donors who make this scholarship possible. The award has allowed me to spend more time on my coursework and my research. In the past nine months, I have taken the MCAT and sent my manuscript for publication. I am presenting at a national conference in February and JFS has helped me along the way to getting there.

I would like to thank JFS for its continued financial support of my son, Seth. The scholarship has allowed him to attend the New England Conservatory in Boston, giving him access to some of the best instruction available to college musicians. He continues to refine his artistry as a percussionist as well as develop friendships with accomplished musicians from around the world. I am confident that his hard work will reward him with success as an orchestral musician.

Sheldon Burkhardt, Father of Seth Burkhardt

Originally from Zimbabwe, I came to the United States almost five years ago to pursue higher education. I began my journey at Bergen Community College, where I graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration in 2014. Seeking to obtain a bachelor's degree, I transferred to Bloomfield College where I pursued a double major in Accounting and Finance. At Bloomfield, I achieved a 4.0 GPA and graduated as Valedictorian for the class of 2016. Presently, I am working towards my Master’s in Accounting at Bloomfield College, in preparation for the CPA exam, while concurrently studying for the CFA Level I exam.

I have received numerous awards and honors from the Bergen County Board of Chosen Freeholders and the U.S. House of Representatives due to academic achievements. Additionally, I have been on the Dean’s List and Honor’s list for the past four years. Outside the classroom, I worked part-time as a peer tutor for accounting, finance and economics students. I am a member of the National Society of Student Leadership and Success, Phi Theta Kappa National Honors Society, Christian Student Association, and International Student Association. I am also a student member of the Certified Financial Analyst Institute and the American Institute for Certified Public Accountants. I have participated in various volunteer activities such as the AIDS awareness walk in New York City, breast cancer fundraising projects, million bone project for genocide awareness and the Wounded Warrior Project: World Toughest Mudder. When I am not working or studying, I enjoy walking, reading, and writing short stories and poems.

I recently completed my first year of studying law at the University of Cambridge. The past year has been filled with new experiences, memories and friends. I love debate and participated in tournaments both as a speaker and as a judge. Competing in debate gave me the opportunity to travel to different universities in London and Ireland and meet other students. I have also mentored younger debaters through the schools debating circuit and look forward to continuing to do so in the coming year.

I enjoy playing table tennis, mooting (representing clients in a mock trial) and being part of the editorial team of a university newspaper. Additionally, I assist at the Cambridge Union, which allows me to listen to some incredible speeches and debates. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, writing and travelling.

I am grateful to Jefferies for this scholarship because it is a great help in allowing me to achieve my dream of studying law. It also allows me to make use of many opportunities; to continue practicing debate, as I have represented Sri Lanka twice at the World Schools Debating Championship in South Africa and Thailand and participated in tournaments in South Korea and the Philippines.

I will always be grateful to Jefferies and the scholarship program for the help they provided to me and my family while I was in school. I have had a wonderful career in education during the last 19 years.

Our community has been hit hard over the last few years due to several casino closings and a high level of unemployment. The children in our community come to school with many needs and challenges but my husband and I feel that we are making a difference one child at a time.

During my 19 years of teaching, I had the pleasure of teaching many young children in preschool and kindergarten classes. Last spring our district was awarded a federal grant to provide a full day preschool program to students from low income families. As a requirement of the grant, the district had to hire a master teacher to act as a coach and support the teachers, students and families. I was overjoyed to be hired for this new position. I am presently the preschool master teacher for Hamilton Township Schools and I am working on my supervisory certification.

Currently we have 60 preschoolers involved in the grant program and we will grow to 90 next year. There is a long wait list for these preschool slots and it goes to show how many families in my town are having a hard time making ends meet. Every day is a new adventure and I am so excited to go to work each day.

The Jefferies Family Scholarship has impacted my family and me tremendously as I am the first and only person in my family who has attended and graduated from college – an absolute accomplishment.

Receiving the scholarship was of great joy because it helped me attend school full-time and finish in 4 years. If I didn’t have this scholarship, I would have been forced to work full-time and go to school part-time instead. Being a full time student, I was able to enjoy the college experience and meet new people, join various clubs like the Greek club and Speech and Hearing Club, and get involved with my sorority of Kappa Phi Beta with endless volunteer work.

After graduating St. Johns University, I started to understand how much the scholarship actually meant since I didn’t need to start sending payments until after graduation. The scholarship has taken most of the burden from me and helped me focus on my goals and career. Thank you Jefferies for allowing me to continue to pursue my career, for believing in me and for helping me achieve my dreams.

I live in Texas with my husband and my sweet one year old son. My interests include any activity that involves my son! We love having fun and discovering new things! I love watching my little guy learn. I also love animals and I volunteer at North Texas Boxer Rescue. My family and I are a fostering a young Boxer dog trying to get him back to full health so he will be adoptable. I also volunteer at the children's day care at my church and it's always a blast getting to know all the kids! I attend Southern New Hampshire University and take classes online, which enables me to focus on my school work, and also gives me the freedom to be there for my son 24/7. Family is very important to me. My goal is to become a Child Protective Services Investigator, and to be able to help young children live great lives. Thank you for this scholarship, which provides the opportunity to reach my goals and also be a great mother.

I am 18 years old, I live in Merrick, New York, and I am currently a Sophomore at Nassau Community College after transferring from the University at Albany, to better focus on my grades and education. While going to school, I work as both a Lifeguard for my County and as a Kids’ CrossFit trainer for my local gym. I want to eventually work as a Physical Therapist, with a focus on children’s rehab, so I'm currently studying Human Biology. Some of my interests include, working out, hiking, hanging out with my friends and playing video games.

As a recruit for the Men’s Division 1 Hockey Team at College of The Holy Cross, I work hard on and off the ice. Adhering to a rigorous academic schedule, I spent approximately 35 hours per week training, practicing and playing for the Holy Cross Men’s hockey team. I was an active member of the team when I was a freshman through my junior year. While actively training with the hockey team, I was chosen to represent myself and my teammates as a member of the Holy Cross leadership academy.

Presently, I am majoring in psychology and am interning at Fidelity Investments, working as a Business Analyst in the Personal Investment Division. I am hopeful that this internship will lead to a future in financial services. In addition to being a proficient athlete and motivated student, I am also highly involved in giving back to my community. I worked with other students at Holy Cross to build a tether ball park for Worchester grade school children as part of the “Working for Worchester” program. Before graduating from The Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, I attended Boston College High School, whose alma mater’s motto continues to inspire me to “be a man for others”.

After graduating from Raritan High School in Hazlet, New Jersey, I chose to attend the University of South Carolina where I major in finance and international business with a minor in Italian. After my studies, I devote most of my free-time to my service sorority Epsilon Sigma Alpha, where I serve as treasurer. I love skiing, reading, yoga and most importantly, traveling. I just returned from an incredible semester abroad in Zurich, Switzerland where I studied at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences and was able to visit many other European countries along the way.

I am currently an undergraduate of the University of Leeds, England working towards a degree in economics. I chose economics as it has an invaluable future, which has been illustrated by recent economic turbulence seen particularly in Europe. All of which has helped with my enthusiasm for the future of economics.

My friends would describe me as a charismatic character. Whilst at high school, I became the vice-chair of our charity committee which gave me the opportunity to lead a team of individuals in raising funds for our school’s nominated charity. My thirst for sport was shown in my youth through regular participation in competitive rugby games for my local town, resulting in a trial for the Irish Exiles. This has continued whilst at university, with becoming a prominent member of the University of Leeds Men's Lacrosse Team, a sport I had previously no experience with, yet enjoying the challenge of learning a new pastime.

From a young age, I knew I wanted to be a veterinarian, so I began volunteering at various riding stables to gain experience with horses. During school holidays I undertook a variety of work experience; ranging from small animal vets in a city centre - where I sat in on consultations and operations, and assisted in minor roles - to rural equine vets, where I observed, surgery on horses. In addition, I spent time working in the bird department of the Zoological Society of London Whipsnade Zoo. Though less exotic, I also spent time on a number of farms lambing sheep, practicing pig husbandry, and milking cows.

Prior to university, I took part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, which takes a minimum of three years to complete, and involves different activities for varying lengths of time, skill, physical, volunteering and expedition. Having already completed levels Bronze, Silver, and Gold, I will be presented with the Gold Award, at St. James’ Palace.

With interest in music, I play the flute and performed in the school orchestra. In my spare time I enjoy playing various sports, including tennis and swimming.

At the age of 18, I moved from England to the former Eastern European country of Hungary, to attend Szent Istvan University in Budapest, which is one of the oldest veterinary schools in Europe. I enjoy the university’s cultural diversity as there are many international students from all over Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. At university, I took up rowing, and am part of the university rowing team. Currently I am undecided about the field in which I plan to specialise in veterinary science.

At the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, I am majoring in forestry with an emphasis in ecosystem management and restoration. I also have minors in wildlife and biology. I am passionate about restoration and how everything is connected in an ecosystem and am particularly interested in habitat restoration and management.

As an undergraduate, I wrote management plans for restoration, prescribed burns, and wildlife habitat management for different land units. I participated in forest inventories and assisted with research - studying and analyzing bat calls for a graduate student’s research project and will be a co-author on the publication. I also participated in a research project regarding white nosed bat syndrome, classifying bat calls to give estimations on the bat population in parts of Wisconsin for the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resource. Having been interested in bats since childhood, I find studying them to be of particular interest because most people have negative views about bats. I hope that people will come to understand the important role bats play in our ecosystem.

Some interests of mine include music, plants, nature, The Chicago Blackhawks, and art. In my free time I like to horseback ride, play guitar and piano, take walks, and play with my dog. I am currently working at the Chicago Botanic Garden as a seasonal worker in the Native Plant Department.

It is a great honor to be selected for the Jefferies Family Scholarship. I was very excited to learn that I had received the scholarship! It is a relief to know that I will be receiving help with my school payments and be able to pursue a degree in something I am passionate about. Receiving the scholarship has given me more confidence in my abilities as it acknowledges of all my hard work. It inspires me to continue to grow academically, to be more involved with my school, and to continue volunteering. By receiving the Jefferies Family Scholarship, I can focus more on my academics and extracurricular activities, allowing me to achieve my goals for the upcoming year. The scholarship will decrease a lot of financial burden and will help my family and me immensely. I feel privileged to be receiving this scholarship for three years in a row. Thank you.

Throughout my high school career at Highland Park High School in Illinois, I was very involved in theatre, participating in many plays and musicals. I also spent much of my free time in school clubs, such as Big Brother Big Sister, student senate, class council, Junior Achievements, and Giant Buddies (a mentoring program for special needs students). Additionally I was active in the school choir, with which I travelled to Italy and performed at the Vatican. My hobbies include playing the piano and singing. As a recipient of the Jefferies Family Scholarship, I have attended Miami University of Ohio. I am now about to enter my junior year at Miami and I’m still so grateful for the scholarship from Jefferies. Because of the scholarship, I am able to attend a reputable university where I take classes in the Farmer School of Business and started a club that focuses on outer space exploration. The scholarship has given me an opportunity to learn so much at school and my life has been changed for the better.

As a graduate student attending Columbia University for a M.A. in East Asian Languages and Cultures program, I am hoping to advance into the Ph.D. program. I originally came to the U.S. from Manchuria, Northeast China, after graduating from elementary school. My childhood upbringing in China has greatly influenced my current interests in researching the history of medieval China from roughly the seventh to fourteenth century. I acquired my B.A. from Binghamton University, SUNY. While at Binghamton, I worked closely with my mentor, Dr. John Chaffee, who specializes in the Song (960-1279) social and political history, and recently has completed editing the topical volume of Cambridge History of China on Song dynasty. Over the past four years, I have done research on women in Song court politics, international trade under the Song, and political corruption under the Song. At Columbia, I hope to continue my research in these topics, finding a way to combine them together. Of course, research is not all that I care about; that would be too stoic of a life. When I am tired from my research, I like to practice calligraphy, drink tea, and go sightseeing with friends. I am really grateful for Jefferies Family Scholarship in supporting my education.

Words cannot describe how grateful I was to have received the Jefferies Family Scholarship. This award definitely lessened the financial burden of college. Without your generous donation, mine and many other students’ dreams of going to the college of their choice would not have been a reality. I knew that Eastern University was the right fit for me from the beginning. It's great to be so certain early on in the college search, unfortunately, the only thing that made it less appealing was the cost. I didn't want my family to have to go into debt because of my school choice, so I considered going to a local school, staying home and forgoing the true college experience. Then I received the call that I had gotten the scholarship award; I couldn't have been happier. It felt like a giant weight had been lifted off my shoulders and I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart because you played a major role in my college experience. The Jefferies Family Scholarship could not have a better name because I truly feel I am a part of this great family.

I attend DePaul University’s College of Digital Media where I am pursuing a major in Computer Game Development. Through further education in computer programing, I hope to learn how to create games that will revolutionize and improve the computer game development industry, while developing a skillset that can be applied to other fields of software development. While at Jones College Prep, I participated in multiple programs at the nearby Field Museum, such as I Dig Tanzania, and the Field Museum Youth Council. I also took part in Columbia College Chicago’s High School Summer Institute, which offered the Games for Change program, a 3-week curriculum, which assisted me with designing and building my own game under the tutelage of instructors from the college. There I created a game that focused on the issue of racism in modern society, and portrayed the unfairness of discrimination. In the future, I hope to create games that will entertain a wide variety of audiences, while also enlightening them about some common problems people face in everyday life.

I recently graduated from Villanova University where I majored in Political Science. During my time there I played on the Villanova University Wildcat’s Baseball Team, though I stopped playing baseball my junior year of college to start my own technology business, in the trucking logistics industry with a focus on improving the lives of truck drivers. The Jefferies Family Scholarship allowed me to go to a great school and pursue my dreams. I am extremely grateful for their help.

My name is Fatema Najmi and I am a medical student at Ross University. I have received the Jefferies Family Scholarship for the past three years and it has greatly assisted in providing me the opportunity to get out of my comfort zone to get the most out of my education. As one of three siblings attending a university, I have always had to worry about my parent’s finances. The scholarship has taken away many of those worries and empowered me to focus my attention on my studies. I have been able to become more involved in my classes, volunteer organizations, and health community through leadership and research. This, in turn, has not only made me one step closer to becoming a well-rounded physician, but it has also allowed me to give back to society through my time and effort.

As a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, the Jefferies Family Scholarship has tremendously assisted in my academic goals for the last three years. I am currently studying Management Information System at the McCombs School of Business and have had the opportunity to go to China for an internship, as well as Belize for an entrepreneurial academic outreach program. Because of these experiences, I was able to extend my reach and networks on a global level. I was able to help high schoolers in Orange Walk, Belize develop their business skills. With both my siblings also in college, obtaining and paying for these opportunities as well as tuition, rent, and other expenses would have been nearly impossible on my own. The Jefferies Family Scholarship has allowed me to pursue my passions no matter how grand they are. The scholarship gives me an opportunity to use my intellect and education to make a difference in the world, so that what I learn and experience can help change the world.

As a student in high school, I joined, started, and served as a leader in many organizations in order to pursue my passions. I was a Youth Secretariat in the Model United Nations and Youth and Government, which helped develop my interest in public speaking and debate. As a lover of music, I played a lead role in my school’s marching, concert, and jazz bands, winning the Woody Herman Jazz Award. I brought two interests of mine, finance and filmmaking, into my school by founding and serving as the president of the Stock Market Club and Film Club. I also started two volunteer music and education projects and held leadership in the Spanish Honor Society. In addition, I played varsity tennis, was a National Merit Finalist, was nominated for the Presidential Scholarship. I currently study at the University of California, Berkeley.

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In 2015, I fulfilled a life-long dream of becoming a firefighter. After receiving the scholarship through high school and two years of college, I was one of 18 recruits to join the ranks of the Jersey City Fire Department.  The Jefferies Family Scholarship assisted me in this journey.  

In a newspaper article following the induction ceremony, Fire Chief Darren Rivers, was quoted as saying, "This is a great day for the Jersey City Fire Department…It's tough getting here. It's a very competitive position, and for (the new firefighters to be able to make it to this point is an incredible accomplishment. Nearly 8,000 people took the firefighters test on this list and maybe 100 were hired so it's the cream of the crop, we're getting the best of the best."

There is an overwhelming feeling of satisfaction to get to do what I do. As an emergency response professional, it’s my duty to protect lives and the community. In order to perform my job well I have sought specialized training, certifications, professional development and opportunities to improve my skills. This award has inspired me to continue challenging myself to further advance in ranks within the fire department.

The best thing is sharing all of my accomplishments with my wife. Following my joining the JCFD, I married my best friend and I am glad to have my wife’s encouragement in pursing my passions. 

I am grateful for the Jefferies Family Scholarship. Thank you for your continued support to the community.

In high school, I demonstrated leadership skills through athletics. In addition to being captain of my soccer team, I was also a Staten Island Advanced All Star and NYC Mayor’s Cup All Star and Winner in high school soccer. Throughout most of my life, I participated in travel soccer and recreational basketball. As a committed student and community member, I was a member of the Staten Island Technical High School’s National Honor Society. Additionally, for seven consecutive years, I volunteered for the Richard Gardner Jr. Memorial Toy Drive. I hope to pursue a career in computer science engineering.

It has been an honor for me to receive this scholarship. I sincerely thank donors for everything it has done for my education at Geneseo State University. By awarding me this scholarship, I am able to devote more time to my studies instead of spending my time working in school to help pay off my college debt.

I started out college with the intentions of becoming an engineer but after figuring some things out for myself, I decided to pursue a career in business. More specifically I would like to join the business field after I earn my CPA degree. My journey to becoming an accountant will be a challenging one and thanks to your help I will have options to further my education.

I am currently in my senior year at New Jersey Institute of Technology, where I am pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering, with a minor in Applied Mathematics. When I am not studying, my interests are computers, motorcycles, and cars. I have been employed at Apple, Inc. for almost seven years, and am currently working toward becoming a Genius as Apple, Inc. My biggest career goal is to work for BMW, in order to improve the manufacturing of and design of automobiles. I am teaching myself German while spending a semester abroad studying in Germany. I will be continuing my degree at Munich University of Applied Science. I am grateful for being the recipient of the Jefferies Family Scholarship.

Having finished my A Levels in June, I am beginning my degree at Coventry University where I will study Sport and Exercise Science. I hope that my studies will provide me with strong foundations for my future and the opportunity to gain a better understanding of the factors that affect sporting performance such as nutrition, psychology and biomechanics.

Alongside my studies, I will be playing rugby. Having started at the age of 7, rugby has always been a big part of my life and I have progressed from playing as a junior to participating in the senior premiership. This season I am excited to be playing for the Saracens women’s team, representing them in various fixtures in the Premiership League and the cup.

I have also been selected to represent the England Under 20 Women’s Squad. Over the summer, I was selected to be a part of the team to face Canada in a three-match series in the UK, and I hope that in this coming season, we will continue our success in the following international fixtures. As a passionate sportswoman, I hope that my course will help me to develop the skills needed to achieve my long-term ambitions of playing rugby for the England Senior team.

I am sincerely honored to have been selected as a recipient of the Jefferies Family Scholarship for three years and I would like to personally thank all of the donors for their generosity, which has allowed me to achieve goals beyond my dreams. Studying French and Italian gave me the chance to spend a year living and working abroad thanks to the compulsory Year Abroad aspect of my degree. During my time in Italy, I worked as an English Language Assistant on behalf of the British Council. Moving to a foreign country, to live alone and work with people who don’t speak your mother tongue is a very daunting prospect and a financial burden would have only made this opportunity even more daunting. Because of this, the Jefferies Family Scholarship has truly had an impact on my life. The scholarship enabled me to immerse myself in other cultures and become fluent in foreign languages without having to worry about the financial difficulties that come with living abroad. Not only did the scholarship cover the costs of the textbooks necessary for me to achieve my ambition of speaking French and Italian fluently, but the funds also allowed me to pursue my dream of being immersed into these foreign cultures. For that, I am truly grateful.

I would like to thank the program for all of the help, I am truly grateful to all of the donors for the financial help that the scholarship has given me.

I graduated from the Brooklyn School of Collaborative Studies. Growing up in New York City, I was always deeply attached to the melting pot of different colors, personalities, ethnicities, and cultures around me. I was raised by a single mother and grandmother in Clinton Hill, Brooklyn, NY, with a foundation of realism, courage, creativity, attitude, charisma, West Indian & Hispanic cultures, and most importantly, love. I'm a person with a big brain that never stops thinking and a heart equal in size that has so much in mind to achieve for my community and society. I enjoy just about anything within the arts because it allows me to let my creative mind flow. I'm a team player who loves to meet new people & embark on new adventures, but I have also always taken on leadership positions. I attend the State University of Fredonia where I am studying journalism and hope to double major in film with a minor in women's studies.

The award of $10,000 from the Jefferies scholarship has truly changed my life and opened several new doors for me. If it were not for this scholarship, I may not have had the opportunity to experience the independence of going away to school. Although at times being away from home is tough, I value the experience. I have met people that will hopefully become lifelong friends, joined different groups around campus, and even get to work within my school's television station creating real shows that air in the local area and are available to stream online.

College has allowed me to blossom as a person as well, trying new things such as joining a rugby team; something I probably would have never thought to do before. I believe the experience of being away from home is preparing me for the real world after college. It is through the Jefferies Family Scholarship that I have been allowed so many different learning experiences both in and out of the classroom. I wish "thank you" were enough to express my gratitude for the opportunities you all have afforded me. I would like to thank the JFS Board of Directors, selection committee and donors who make this scholarship possible.

I spent my last year at SUNY ESF (Environmental Science and Forestry) where I finished my freshmen year studying Environmental Engineering. I thoroughly enjoyed my first year of school, where I met many new friends and encountered some amazing experiences. I was able to join many clubs and become a student ambassador. Some of the clubs I joined included the Environmental Engineering Club, the Bob Marshal Club (camping/hiking club) and the Syracuse University Ski Club. My favorite club so far is the Engineering Club because we took trips, including one to the Adirondacks, where I was able to meet many people in my major. There we discussed different environmental issues. I am looking forward to my sophomore year, where I expect to become more involved and keep my eyes open for new opportunities.

I am currently a Master’s candidate at Washington University in Saint Louis studying Computer Science. I am also a recent graduate of Washington University; I received a B.S. in Computer Science and a B.A. in Philosophy-Neuroscience-Psychology (PNP). I am presently interning as a Software Engineer in Denver at myStrength, Inc., a company whose objective is to make mental health care more effective and accessible via their web and app interfaces. In addition to working here in Denver, I spend my time hiking, biking and rock climbing—all activities Colorado has to offer. As a candidate for an M.S. in computer science, my concentration is in Machine Learning and Data Science. My goal is to integrate the skills I have acquired from both my work experience and my education to improve healthcare by means of software and other technologies.

I am a sophomore at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology majoring in Computer Science. In high school, I immersed myself in activities involving math and science, serving as a co-captain of my school’s Science Bowl and Science Olympiad teams. I placed as a finalist in the U.S. Chemistry Olympiad and was awarded the Hubert Alyea Award by the American Chemical Society for my passion in chemistry. I also received a Gold Key Award for Meritorious Service at my high school for service and contribution to my community. Currently, I am involved as the co-director of the HackMIT organizing team and as an undergraduate researcher.

I was born in Puerto Rico and moved to New Jersey when I was three years old. I will be attending Rutgers University this fall and am thinking about majoring in Criminal Justice and minoring or double majoring in Women and Gender’s Studies. I hope to make a difference in the world, even if it is only a little bit. My favorite activities include reading, going out with friends, and watching Grey’s Anatomy. I dream of one-day traveling around the world and seeing France, Spain, and Italy.

First, I would like to thank the Jefferies Family Scholarship for granting me the honor of a scholarship last year. Upon receiving this scholarship, I feel as one of my worries for the future has been lifted, and I can focus solely on putting effort into my studies. More personally prevalent than the monetary value of holding such a scholarship, is the pride that comes from earning it. I feel as if the scholarship itself is proof of what I have struggled for and serves as a reminder of what I can accomplish in the future.

I am majoring in Computer Science in Rutgers School of Arts and Sciences in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Since elementary school, I have been interested in mathematics and problem solving. I was an active member of my high school’s Academic Team and Math Team while also leading as the head programmer of Computer Club’s development group. Additionally, I competed in the Vex Robotics Competition with the Robotics Club. In my spare time, I develope video games, as my true aspiration is to one day be a full time game developer.

Thank you again for giving me this scholarship.

I would like to thank the Jefferies Family Scholarship for this extraordinary award. Never in my life did I think I would be awarded something so great. I feel so lucky and honored that JFS was willing to assist me in continuing my education and helping me to get into the career I chose.

Since high school, I have been working towards my career goal of entering the field of Law Enforcement and I’m happy to say that I have had much success. Two years after having enrolled in the Criminal Justice Program at The College of Dupage, I completed the program and received my associate of arts degree in Criminal Justice. I then entered Lewis University to complete my Bachelor’s Degree.

The scholarship has allowed me to continue on with my studies and to work with the Roselle Police Department. I am in my last year of school and have been employed with the Police Department for over a year and a half now. I feel that I am in a great position to enter into my chosen field of Criminal/Social Justice when I graduate in May with my Bachelor’s degree from Lewis University. I cannot express my gratitude enough towards the Jefferies Family Scholarship program, it has really changed my life and given me the opportunity for success.

I currently study computer science at The College of New Jersey. During high school, I was involved in many extracurricular activities, including the Forensics Speech and Debate team, for which I competed in Public Forum Debate at the local and national level and won numerous awards.

Outside of school, I enjoy all genres of music and have been playing both the piano and cello for over ten years. Combining my passion for music and global issues, I began creating self-written and self-recorded songs that include SAT vocabulary and current events. As I wanted to share my unique style of learning with others, I also started posting my work on my own music website; this website, muzeworthy, which has gained thousands of views over the past few years and helped many students learn and connect with other people over a common interest and love for music.

I have spent the last four years volunteering for the Sayreville Association of Brain Injured Children as well as working on staff during the organization’s seasonal programs. I enjoy working with children and adults with special needs and getting to know these very different, yet similar people. In my free time, I also enjoy traveling, learning new languages, rapping, drinking Vietnamese iced coffee, and eating Korean barbecue.

Originally from Mumbai, India, I moved to the U.S. to continue my education at New York University where I am majoring in Mechanical Engineering. All I ever wanted to do since I was in the 6th grade was to become a mechanical engineer. I used to carry this tiny notebook with me all the time which contains all the engineering ideas I have had such as designs for a basic hydro powered shoe cleaner that could be used by my school after students play football as well as possible designs for the components of the iron man suit for when I have the resources to make it. Unfortunately, due to a very tight school curriculum and lack of financial support I never got the opportunity to completely explore my ideas. My career at NYU has provided undergraduate research opportunities, as well as exposure to great professors that are helping me become an innovative engineer.

In high school, I took part in a lot of Model United Nations. I won various awards and also chaired the Security Council at Asia’s largest model UN. I worked as a volunteer for Magic Bus and save the tigers and received a national wildlife award for my fund raising campaign with Save the Tigers.

I am a first year at Selwyn College, Cambridge University studying medicine. This year, I have enjoyed studying the primary aspects of my course; anatomy, physiology and biochemistry. This involves practical classes including regular dissection of a cadaver to explore human structure right down to the bones! I have also started a "Preparing for Patients" course in order to gain experience interviewing new patients in a real clinical setting at a local General Practice.

Outside of academia, I play for my college Hockey and Lacrosse team in weekly inter-college matches. After a year of successive victories and reaching the quarter-finals of a university wide tournament, our lacrosse team has been promoted to the first division. Our team now looks forward to the sporting challenges ahead of us in the coming year as we will both loose our graduating members whilst hopefully recruiting keen freshmen. I am also very involved in the Cambridge Intercollegiate Christian Union (CICCU) and for the following year, I will be working in its International team. This is a group dedicated to the welcome and outreach for new international students to Cambridge who arrive prior to British students. Our aim is to help these students settle in comfortably to our respective colleges and forge lasting friendships, an aspect I look forward to next September.

At home I play the piano for leisure, occasionally learning new songs to play. I am also a member of the Boy's Brigade (BB), a uniformed Christian youth organization, where I used to play the Bugle as part of a marching band. Additionally, for several years I went to summer camp with the BB for a week of various activities on the Isle of Wight which includes theme parks, go-karting and best of all: Outdoor laser tag! Through the BB I have also achieved several awards such as the Duke of Edinburgh expedition.

The spectrum of medicine is vast and forever expanding as new discoveries and treatment options are made. I am excited to continue in my studies next year delving deeper into the field of medical knowledge, especially in neuroscience and pathology, on my path to becoming a qualified doctor.

Over the course of my undergraduate career as a student of Environmental Science, I have made some fundamental realizations regarding college success. Aside from motivation, hard work, and sheer determination, one of the most important components to one’s educational success is financial security. Investing financially in your education, combined with the necessary psychological and intellectual qualities to accomplish a degree, is nothing short of promising. 

But it is important to bear in mind that there are people in this world who are unable to afford the privilege of paying for their education, and ultimately drop out of college. The circumstances of individuals who carry all the necessary internal qualities of a successful student, but simply can’t afford to pay tuition, is a tragedy I would have faced if it were not for this scholarship program.

The Jefferies Family Scholarship, creates a bridge over the gap of misfortune. Five years ago, I was a freshman, now I am a Program Assistant employed at a Joint Powers Government Energy Agency, working on Energy Efficiency and Community Choice Aggregation.

I want to express my deepest gratitude for this program’s efforts in helping to ensure my educational success. Thank you Jefferies Family Scholarship!

At Agnes Scott College, I am pursuing an undergraduate degree in Economics, in hopes that majoring in Economics will provide me with the opportunity to critically think and gain an understanding and appreciation for our global economy. With a strong passion for community service, my goal is to work in economic development and play a key role in developing policies that will positively affect urban communities.

In high school, I completed the TEA Distinguished High School Plan with S.T.E.M. endorsement after successfully fulfilling the requirements of rigorous AP courses. I actively participated in extracurricular activities such as Student Council (Junior Class Secretary) and Varsity Cheer. In high school, I volunteered for community service projects such as March of Dimes, The Boys & Girls Club and the United Negro College Fund. In addition to my volunteer duties, I also served as Teen Foundation Chair of Jack & Jill of America, Inc. chapter. In 2016, I was selected as a summer intern in the Houston Leadership Experience & Employment Program. The program seeks to promote personal growth, academic excellence and professional work experience in fields such as economics, engineering, technology and accounting. My friends describe me as smart, witty, positive and determined. My favorite quote is, “My mission in life is not merely to survive, but to thrive; and to do so with some passion, some compassion, some humor, and some style.” – Maya Angelou.

Disadvantaged, underrepresented, uneducated, poor, tired, and unequivocally depressed are only a few of the adjectives describing the families I had the opportunity to serve this summer. Each day at work, I watched poor families struggle to function even after receiving free meals and free access to a summer camp. I truly thought I could help solve some problems facing these families, so I decided my time, effort, and expertise belonged at an up-and-coming non-profit 501(c)(3) organization in Central New Jersey, aiming to educate low-income children in STEM topics.

By using different kinds of statistical analyses and statistical computer programming languages like R, I was able to lead the organization’s efforts in collecting and analyzing data about its impact on the community. With this data, I was able to increase company revenue by providing vital data to grant writers who were applying to numerous sponsorships and grants. For the first time ever, I felt like I was applying my practical skills to something real.

In the past, I taught kids marine science at a summer camp, and I had my first experience of what it was like, to influence someone’s opinion about the environment. Now, I hope to use my technical skills in data science to work for a cause I care deeply about. More importantly, I realized when we bring people together through an organization and fight for a cause, no one is disadvantaged, underrepresented, uneducated, poor, tired, or unequivocally depressed. Now that the experience is over, I hope I can continue to help give people a voice through my work.

I have lived in Winnetka, a northern suburb of Chicago, for a majority of my life, but I currently attend Washington University in St. Louis, specifically in the Olin Business School. In my spare time, I love working with children, baking, and volunteering at a local soup kitchen, both through my church and through Food Taxi, a high school club where we deliver bread to different areas around Chicago. In the future, I plan to study abroad, possibly in either London or Madrid, and continue my interests of community involvement and working with children through clubs and service opportunities in the St. Louis area.