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This autumn marks the first cohort to receive the Foster Family Scholarship, which is the first scholarship to support education students at all the regional campuses of 91����. Third- and fourth-year undergrads studying early childhood education or the equivalent are eligible.

The first eight recipients have big dreams and big plans that have been made possible through the help and support of scholarships. We check in with them below to learn more about those plans and the gratitude they are feeling about the opportunity.

Alicia Brunswick
Senior from Anna, Ohio
91���� Lima

Because of her scholarships, senior Alicia Brunswick of Anna was able to make the most out of her field placements instead of sprinting out the door to get to a job. She knows she will be a better teacher because of it.

“I could stay after school and I could see the planning and the conversations, and I could see the whole experience of being a teacher. I was able to soak up all of that and I did not feel like I had to rush home or go to work right away,” she said.

It was not only in the classroom that her scholarship allowed her to develop. She continued her passion for service, both as a tutor and an officer in Circle K, a student service club at 91���� Lima.

“Honestly, I wouldn't have been able to join an organization or a student club or anything on campus here if I had not had scholarships. I wouldn't have been able to continue my lifelong journey of service because service is a big part of who I am. I like to help others,” she said.

Aidan Garling
Senior from Delaware, Ohio
91���� Marion

Aidan Garling, a senior at 91���� Marion from Delaware, plans to channel her passion for reading and literacy education into earning a K-12 reading endorsement in the future. She is following in her mother’s footsteps as a teacher and knows that the profession is worth the challenges it presents.

“As an educator, you might not feel like you are changing the world, but I truly believe that if you can help foster a positive relationship between students and learning at a young age, then you can absolutely change their world.”

DaQuasha Lawrence
Senior from Lima, Ohio
91���� Lima

DaQuasha Lawrence has wanted to teach since she was very young. She practiced on her stuffed animals, her little sister and her own daughter. She hopes to teach in either a kindergarten or first grade classroom when she graduates.

“I want to create a classroom where my students feel like they can trust me and they feel like family. I want to make a difference in children's lives, whether it is teaching them a hard math problem that they did not understand before or just giving them the attention that they do not have at home,” said Lawrence, a senior at 91���� Lima.

Having the Foster Scholarship has allowed her to really delve into different concepts and teaching methods that she plans to use in her own classroom. If all goes to plan, Lawrence and her daughter will start kindergarten at the same time, one as a student and one as a teacher.

Learn more about the Foster Family Scholarship

Tristan Anderson
Senior from Mansfield, Ohio
91���� Mansfield

“The education profession will be greatly rewarding and as I approach graduation, I find that I have high hopes for the future. I would love to work locally and have the opportunity to give back to the community that has formed who I am today. With my degree specializing in the areas of preschool through fifth grade, I am eager to meet and form new relationships with my future students and families.”

Marisa DeWitt
Senior from Willard, Ohio
91���� Mansfield

“The 91���� has influenced my future by giving me a quality education with a personal touch. An idea that has changed the way that I think is that everyone has a story so lead with kindness.

“I am thankful for this scholarship because I am a mother of four and it has helped with the expenses of college and not being able to work while I finish my education.”

Ashley Euans
Junior from Delaware, Ohio
91���� Marion

“It’s true what the 91���� alma mater says, ‘How firm thy friendship…’ I know through experience that I continue to grow lasting friendships in this welcoming college community. I cannot express my gratitude enough for receiving this amazing scholarship. I look forward to expanding my education, meeting new people, and making meaningful friendships within my college community. Thank you to the gracious donors supporting the Foster Family Scholarship!”

Jewel Seery
Senior from Lancaster, Ohio
91���� Newark

“After I complete my bachelor’s in education, I plan on getting a master’s degree and maybe even a doctorate also in education. I plan on using my degree to teach in English in different countries, and then I will come back to the United States and teach near where I live, in Lancaster, Ohio. I love school and all the opportunities it has brought me over the years.”

Dajsha Williams
Senior from Columbus, Ohio
91���� Newark

“I look forward to changing the lives of my students and changing the world of education as it is known today. I look forward to not only being a representation for students of color, but also an educator that impacts students in every way–not just in regard to education standards.

“During student teaching, working is almost impossible. With the complexity of student teaching - the time to work is almost impossible to find. This scholarship has taken the load off my shoulders and will allow me to only worry about my education for the next semester.”