What does receiving this scholarship assistance mean to you?
I am beyond appreciative to receive this scholarship assistance. As a first-generation college student of immigrant parents (who do not hold college degrees), I have seen with my own eyes their own struggles and sacrifices to get me through my college education. My parents both work endlessly to support my education, pay our bills, and give my brother and me a comfortable life. In addition to my parent’s work, I work two off-campus jobs during the semester to help pay for my education and support my living. With this scholarship, I have a small weight lifted off of my shoulders in regard to paying for my education for the following two semesters. With having to worry less about finances, I will be able to serve more on campus, focus more in-depth on my academics, and center my attention on my preparation to become a teacher. On paper, scholarship assistance solely reduces an amount towards one’s tuition, however, outside of that paper, it is truly a relief and honor for many including myself and my family. With this scholarship assistance, I feel as if I am able to pay back my parents for their hard work and also honor their contributions to helping me complete my music education degree at TWU.
What achievement in your life are you most proud of?
The achievement in my life that I am most proud of would be serving as a Collegiate Orchestra Teacher Assistant in Carrollton. This position is rather new and undefined; however, I essentially was allowed to help orchestra teachers teach large/small instruction, attend contests/competitions/field trips with the classes, and attend most of the events as a “teacher” of the program while helping the active certified teachers. Although I was honored and humbled that I was brought onto the staff for this job and that the teachers believed in my teaching skills (as a young teacher), that was purely the “icing on top” of what I see as my main prideful achievement.
I am more proud of the relationships and bonds I developed with the students over the three years I have been at the school. Not only did I take the time to learn each student’s name (which was difficult only seeing them 1-2 times a week), but I took the time to learn their personalities, likes/dislikes, and how they were in the classroom. I wanted my instruction to be based on what made the students feel and become successful. Eventually, the students began greeting me with handshakes, hugs, and even a quick SparkNotes summary of their week. The students, eventually, began asking for me on days I was out, and knowing they were excited for our next lesson together brought me great joy. I was not only proud to have these students in my life, but I was proud of how much I had grown as a young teacher and how much my time/effort in the job truly made an impact on these students, hopefully, for their life.
What inspired you to choose your area of study?
My area of study is Music Education and appropriately, my music teachers growing up inspired me to choose my area of study. Growing up, I was never deeply invested in core subjects, sports, or even fun elementary school clubs. However, music was always a subject that stood out to me for as long as I can remember. Not only did music allow me to express myself and give me an outlet where I felt successful, but my music teachers were some of the most influential people in my life. I remember countless amounts of times when a music teacher pulled me aside and told me that they believed in me, they were rooting for me, or that they knew I could do something I had doubts about. As a teenager, you feel as if the world is against you and that you are always spiraling because of any emotion. I remember always being “moody,” but the minute that my 4th period Orchestra class hit, I was suddenly a new person. Music heals the soul and I remember how comforting and calming being in music class was to me. Without the support of my teacher and my Orchestra class, I guarantee I would not be the person I am today. That same teacher that made me feel so welcome was also the same teacher that threw me in front of the class to teach when I was only 11. Although terrifying, I felt motivated and prompted to keep trying and be as great as she was one day.
Please share your thanks with the Foundation.
The Presser Scholarship (Award) is only awarded to one music major at TWU at the end of every academic year and to be recognized as the one music major who reflects the characteristics and values of the Presser Scholar is an honor. The Presser Scholar is awarded to an “…outstanding music major…” and “…a prestigious one with the choice of recipient guided solely by consideration of excellence and merit.” To be selected among many outstanding music majors at TWU is truly a privilege and a distinction I will live by my entire life. I thank the scholarship donor for the recognition and the opportunity to be ranked among some legendary music majors who have been through the TWU Division of Music. Not only will this scholarship allow my financial status to be eased for my senior year, but it will also allow me to focus on my academics, further develop my teaching skills during my field experience, and even optimize my time better in my teaching job. Not only is this scholarship helping me finish my degree in Music Education, but also aids me in my goal of changing the lives of students through music. When I am a teacher, I will reflect on the many individuals and groups that got me to my position, and then, I will always remember the generous recognition and scholarship from The Presser Foundation. Thank you very much.
