Could you tell us a bit more about yourself? Your hobbies or extracurricular activities?
My name is Alondra Herrera and I am from Harlingen, Texas. I am a third year architecture student at Texas A&M University. I plan to minor in sustainable architecture and focus on healthcare design and affordable housing in low income areas as well as disaster areas. I love to draw and paint and do very hands-on activities.
How did you feel when you found out you won the $3,000 scholarship?
I was completely overjoyed and couldn't believe what I was reading. I felt very blessed and relieved to have received this scholarship.
What do you think about the questions asked on our application form?
I believe the questions on the form allowed the applicant to answer truthfully. They were very straight forward and by no means made to slump the applicant.
What part of your tuition fees will these $3,000 cover?
These $3,000 will be used to pay the summer classes needed in order to continue with my architecture degree. The leftover funds will be used to pay my tuition for my regular semester. 100% of this scholarship will be used to pay for my classes.
What would you have done if you didn't win this scholarship?
If I wouldn't have received this scholarship, I would've found it extremely difficult to pay for my classes. Money is something that I constantly worry about and it's truly refreshing to know that my hard work has payed off.
Is it relatively easy to get a scholarship to study in the United States or it requires a ton of work and persistence?
Going to college in the United States is extremely expensive. Almost all students have received a scholarship of some sort, therefore the scholarships out there are very competitive. It requires an adequate amount of work and persistence in order to receive something.
What are other effective ways for students to raise funds for their studies in the United States?
An effective way for students to raise funds for school is to work. I work every break and save my money in order to cover my school expenses. Other students become student workers in order to have money to cover those school expenses.
What would your advice be to our next year's applicants? What should they pay attention to?
No scholarship is too small! When your in college, any amount helps. A $100 scholarship is one book that you don't have to buy! Pay attention to deadlines. Often, opportunities are missed by missing the deadline.
