Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Meet Emma

What is one thing you love best about UAlbany?

My favorite thing about UAlbany is the community that I have cultivated throughout the years. In joining the Honors College my freshman year, I found the greatest group of friends that have seen me through every hill and valley, and as my academic journey continued, I connected with professors that have encouraged me to never stop believing in myself. I have loved returning to campus year after year knowing that I am supported and celebrated.

How will your scholarship help achieve your goals after graduating from UAlbany?

My goal when I graduate from UAlbany is to move to Orlando with my best friend so we can live out our dreams of working for Disney together. This scholarship is a gift that will allow me to lighten my financial burden. I have always known that student debt was inevitable for me to have the college experience I always dreamed of, but this scholarship took a piece of that weight off of my shoulders and has allowed me to be more excited for the years to come rather than fearful of my plans being altered by my financial situation.

From the bottom of my heart, thank you. As I grow closer to graduation, my finances have been a brewing storm cloud in the back of my mind, and this felt like a pure ray of sunshine—a reminder that everything is going to be okay. I am thankful every day for the opportunity to learn about topics that I am passionate about from people who inspire me in a place that I truly love, and I cannot fully express my gratitude for your support in making that a reality.