All Ways Grateful

Bryce Richter

Below are some of the thank-you letters from students who received scholarships through the All Ways Forward Comprehensive Campaign. Their gratitude shows just one of the ways that the campaign has made a difference — changing not only students’ lives, but the lives of their families as well.

I come from a low-income family, and without scholarships from donors like you, I wouldn’t be able to get my degree without swimming in debt. I want to change the world of food science, and your help gets me closer to that goal.

— Bea Sutton x’24

I cannot thank the donors enough for their financial support. If I wasn’t [receiving financial assistance], there is no way I could be attending UW–Madison. I grew up in a single-parent, low-income house- hold and wasn’t expected to go far in life. Being a first-generation college student at this prestigious university shows I am beating the odds stacked against me. I am so thankful for the education I am gaining and will not take it for granted.

— Melanie Spencer x’23

This [scholarship] has certainly changed the course of my life, and without it, I probably wouldn’t have gone to college. This [gift] has made it possible for me to get my education and one day change my family’s life. Once I graduate and am able to start making more money, I can then provide more for my family as well.

— Anthony Yang x’25

First and foremost, I am thankful. It has been a mission for me to help my family financially (specifically my mom, who’s in Puerto Rico), after graduating college and getting a job. I first moved to the U.S. back in middle school because I wanted to pursue higher education. … It is something that not many see happen back in Puerto Rico.

— Elliot Lopez-Henriquez x’25

Support for an artist is extremely vital; a lot of people don’t understand how expensive artistic pursuits can be. The scholarship will allow me to change each of my cello strings and bow hairs without struggling to find the funds to do so. Receiving the scholarship validates my purpose and studies in college, and I am forever grateful.

— Ivan Xiong x’24

Most people don’t understand the effects of generational poverty or the immense pride that comes with breaking out of it. To provide someone with that ability is beyond incredible.

— Kora Zoe Quinn x’23

I would say that people who … give like this understand what it is to help other people. They understand that there is a world out there and there are lives beyond their own, and that you don’t have to know or meet someone to be kind to them. They make the world a better place in their own wonderful way, and I hope they know what this means to the people who receive their help.

— Leah Morley x’24

Worrying about finances has been a part of my life since I was a toddler, and even though I believe because of it I am a more responsible, independent person, I do not enjoy continuously thinking about money, or lack thereof. I know that my education has been improved as I have more attention to give it; I know my life has been improved because I’ve seen the struggles of my sisters and my mother with massive student debt. Receiving this scholarship has been monumental, and I appreciate it every single day in some aspect.

— Lowell Harwell x’23

The moment I found out about the scholarship is still one of the best moments of my life.  This opportunity literally changed my life.

— Matthew Dwyer x’23

I want to personally thank the donors for this scholarship, because I come from a generation of immigrants. My parents work their hearts out every day for my brother and me. Therefore, all the help I can get so that my parents don’t have to worry about my college expenses means the world to me.

— Vy Lu x’24

Published in the Winter 2021 issue