One Jackrabbit graduate shares an inside look at the difference scholarships made for her education at SDSU.
It’s the difference between a bold future attained and a bold future that remains out of reach. It’s the offset of financial burdens for our students as they pursue a brighter tomorrow, and it begins with supporting them today.
No matter the major of a student or the career that awaits them, scholarship funding is a vital factor for Jackrabbits to remain in school and focus on their studies during their time at SDSU. That kind of financial support helps to foster balance and wellbeing, inside the classroom and out. It also helps to offer an educational experience unlike anywhere else.
With the graduating class of 2022 students, we saw an opportunity to shed light on the remarkable impact of scholarships, particularly told through a first-hand perspective. That led us to sit down with Andrea Berends. During her time at State, Andrea’s days were a whirlwind of serving on the Hobo Day Committee, joining the Alpha Omega Epsilon sorority, and sharing her musical talents through the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, pep band, concert band, and choir.
Now, Andrea’s a graduate who’s looking ahead to her life post-graduation – and reflecting on the support that brought her an irreplaceable journey as a Jackrabbit.
"When I look back, most of my favorite memories were football game days. Being a member of the Pride of the Dakotas Marching Band, it was always so much fun, and I feel like it’s a different experience than the average student would get. Another highlight was when College Game Day came to campus."
"Right away, I felt at home on campus, and that’s the same thing that made me stay. The relationships I formed are what led to opportunities that shaped my experience at SDSU."
"You’re not always going to succeed right away, and things might not go according to plan, but that’s okay. You’ll always have people in your corner, and you’ll get through it."
"I really enjoyed my Elementary Music Methods class with Dr. Laura Diddle. It was the start of my love for teaching elementary students, and now I have a job as an elementary music teacher. I also really liked marching band pedagogy with Dr. Kevin Kessler. He’s very passionate about the subject, and it made the class fun. Dr. Don Crowe is also one of my favorite professors. He was my studio instructor and has always been incredibly supportive."
"Scholarships allowed me to spend more time on my studies and to just be in the moment more. I didn’t have to worry as much about working to pay for my classes. They made for a more meaningful college experience that I will always cherish."
"I would not have had the opportunity to be involved in so many extracurriculars in college without scholarship support – things beyond academics, like Little I competitions or making a difference by participating in State-a-thon. Because of the scholarships I received, I was able to focus on just being a Jackrabbit, instead of constantly worrying about finances."
"I will always be incredibly grateful for your generosity, and you’ve inspired me to give back some day when I’m able to do so."
"I would probably start a fund for music majors taking private studio lessons. The costs of those can get really high after you factor in the different fees for accompanists, materials, and that sort of thing."
"I will be teaching elementary music in Springfield, MN."
"My time at SDSU impacted the person I am today because of the opportunities I was given. I was able to explore different passions and interests, within and outside of my major. I’m confident that I’ll be successful in my career, and I know that there are other things in my life that I want to do. I also wouldn’t be who I am today without the friends I made at SDSU. I know I’ll always have people cheering me on."
While hearing from students like Andrea can help put the need into perspective, the facts surrounding scholarship offerings only reinforce their importance: 20% of admitted students cite shortfalls in financial support as a reason they didn’t choose SDSU. Currently, only 70% of first-time, full-time students at State receive scholarship support.
Together, we can ensure our students don’t have to turn away from their ambitions because of financial barriers.
Our Jackrabbits’ stories are just getting started; through scholarship support, we can help them write their boldest chapters yet.
Scholarships directly support SDSU students, fulfilling our land grant mission by making a college education more affordable and attainable for all. The generosity of our yellow and blue family makes a difference in our students’ lives, helping current and future Jackrabbits achieve bold dreams.
