Not everyone has a chance to attend a private college like this and this scholarship helps make that possible for me- that’s why it is so meaningful to me. I wouldn’t have received this scholarship without support from the Alliance, so thank you very much for this opportunity.

I chose to go to Bushnell for track and school. I heard they had a good communication program from fellow students and that they take this program seriously. People told me I would like this program, so I gave it a shot and now it’s my major. The reason why I chose communications is because I like to talk about things that interest me.

I would like to keep competing at my sport and then use my major to become a coach at a college or high school.

This scholarship is meaningful to me because as a person of faith, I can see the Lord's faithfulness and that He provides and chooses to use people as vessels. As a first-generation student, I am reminded that I am able to accomplish my goals and dreams in the business field and ministry because of this scholarship. It provides for not only my education, but also for my confidence in my career as a marketer and in my role as a leader. There are many times I feel the imposter syndrome kick in, and receiving such an honor like this scholarship helps me tear down those walls that say I wasn’t made for this. It reminds me that I’m not alone and that people are rooting for me. I can keep pursuing my education while meeting so many beautiful people who are also pursuing theirs. Thank you so much. Truly, thank you. My dreams are becoming a reality and you are a huge reason why. God bless you.

I chose George Fox University because I felt called by God to go to a Christian university where I could learn and grow alongside people who also love God and have a passion for ministry. I chose business and specifically marketing because I love to see visions and ideas come to life and serve others through creative means like graphic design, marketing strategies, music, and film. I love that we can connect a business, company, or brand with real people and make it into a bigger thing than just about sales. We can bring joy and hope to real people through the guidance of marketing, not just for the consumer but for the business and company whose visions are rooted in love.

After graduation, I plan to travel to countries I’ve never visited before to work in ministry. My goal is to give and receive the love of God through these trips. This would only be a summer thing before diving into my career. I am not sure where I will end up but I plan to work in ministry, sports marketing, or a company with strong values like Daimler or Sherwin Williams. My plan is to love and serve people wherever God leads me.

I am truly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of this scholarship. As a first-generation college student, navigating the financial challenges of higher education has always been a significant concern. Balancing both work and academics to fund my education can be difficult, but receiving this scholarship has greatly alleviated my financial burden. It has allowed me to focus more on my studies and personal growth without the constant worry of affordability. I would like to extend my sincerest thanks for this opportunity and for the positive impact it has had on my academic journey.

I chose Pacific University because of its proximity to home, but more importantly, because it offers a nurturing environment that supports both academic and personal growth. The university provides invaluable resources to help guide students in making informed career choices, while also fostering values that are essential for success in life. These qualities made Pacific University the ideal choice for my educational journey, as I believe it will prepare me not only for my future career but also for life's challenges.
As for my major, I chose to pursue business because of its versatility and the significant role it plays in almost every industry. Business is at the heart of innovation and economic progress, and it provides the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, critical thinking, and problem-solving. I believe a degree in business will equip me with the knowledge and expertise to make meaningful contributions in whichever field I choose to pursue.

After graduation, I plan to combine my business degree with my future real estate license to pursue a career in the real estate industry. My ultimate goal is to establish my own business, where I can assist families in achieving their dreams of homeownership. I am passionate about helping individuals navigate the complexities of the housing market, and I believe that my education in business, coupled with my real estate expertise, will enable me to offer both practical and strategic solutions to meet their needs. By providing personalized and professional service, I hope to make a meaningful impact on the lives of many families, helping them secure a place they can call home.

I am incredibly grateful for this scholarship because all of my academic expenses are paid directly from my own pocket. As a low-income student, a great source of stress for me is figuring out how I’ll be able to pay for my tuition each semester. This summer I worked a manual labor job installing signs full time so I could just scrape by on tuition for a single semester. I adore going to school, but that adoration is complicated when I’m financially stressed. Through the generosity of this scholarship I will be able to spend significantly more time actually focused on my studies instead of worrying about how I’ll pay for them. I love studying archaeology of the ancient Mediterranean and I can’t wait to go on my first dig. I dream of going to a museum and looking at artifacts that I found. Thank you for funding my future.

My college search was extensive, to say the least. I applied to ten schools, each one thoroughly researched. By the end of my senior year, I was torn between Reed College and another institution. Initially, I had planned to major in math or engineering, so the other institution seemed like the more practical choice, with its broader opportunities in those fields. However, when I toured the campus, an undeniable sense of wrongness settled over me—I just knew I wouldn’t be happy there.
In contrast, when I toured Reed, I was immediately struck by the beauty of the campus and its vibrant atmosphere. Many factors influenced my decision to choose Reed, such as its unique academic approach, the majors offered, the financial aid package, and the conference-style classes. But ultimately, what sold me on Reed was the feeling that it was home.
I started my freshman year as a math major, but in the second semester, I took a class on Egyptian archaeology—and I fell in love with the subject. As a child, I had been an insatiable reader, devouring books by Rick Riordan, especially the Percy Jackson series. I loved Greek mythology, even though I now realize how many of the darker, more brutal aspects of Greek culture and mythology were glossed over in those books. Studying the ancient Greeks, Egyptians, and Romans feels like a continuation of the interests that first captivated me in elementary school. In a way, I feel like I’m honoring those childhood passions. If I could talk to my 8-year-old self, I think she’d be thrilled to know what the future holds.

I want to be an archaeologist. I’d love to travel the world doing digs in all kinds of places. My dream is to work for the Bureau of Land Management in remote forested areas looking for evidence of indigenous settlements. I’d like to work with the local indigenous people in these areas and repatriate the objects I find. It would be the choice of the indigenous people to decide where those objects went and what was done with them, but ideally, they would want to build their own museum where they could educate people on their own terms. I want to help curate a museum for indigenous culture that was created by actual indigenous people. I have too often been to museums where indigenous people are depicted using outdated language and stereotypes. So many times, objects end up in museums through questionable means. Archaeology has an unfortunate colonial history, and most of the objects in the British Museum were stolen. I want to work closely with the living members of the peoples I would be doing archaeological research on to ensure that these artifacts are preserved, honored, and given to the descendants of the people who created them.

The BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship has made it easier for me to focus on my studies without stressing over finances. It has helped me dive deeper into my projects in computer science and engineering, and I’m really grateful for that support. Thank you!

I chose the University of Portland for its great computer science and engineering programs and its supportive, hands-on approach to learning. I’ve always been into tech and problem-solving, so majoring in computer science with a computer engineering minor felt like the perfect fit to explore both software and hardware. I also wanted to stay in Portland close to my family.

After graduation, I plan to work as a software engineer, especially in embedded systems and digital design. Eventually, I’d love to grow into a leadership role and help develop tech that can make a difference.

Simply, the BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship helps pay for my tuition while I attend college. I am grateful for the continued support of this scholarship as this is the second year I have received it. The cost of attending college is both large and hidden in many ways and this lessens the burden of worry while I am completing my degree. Thank you for the support!

I initially chose Willamette University because of the small class sizes offered and the reputation of Willamette's MBA program. I continue to finish my undergraduate degree at Willamette for the community on campus and friends I have made on the way. As for my undergraduate degree, I chose Economics for the breadth of knowledge that would complement any MBA and the 3+2 BA/MBA program that Willamette offers.

I plan to obtain a CPA license but I have considered obtaining a CMA instead. I still plan on entering bio-tech and put my best skills to work supporting the work done in that industry as I think the industry will be important for the future.