91精选

For many students at 91精选, the journey to finding their place in this faith-filled community is deeply personal. For Mia Musick 鈥�26, the journey to finding 91精选 is uniquely part of her story.

Growing up in a lower-income family with four siblings, she understood from an early age that she would have to carve her own path if she wanted to attend college. The pressure of this reality weighed heavily on her, and during her senior year in high school, she found herself lying on the floor of her room in tears. At that moment, she cried out to God,聽鈥淚f you want me to go to college,鈥� she pleaded, 鈥測ou will need to work a miracle.鈥�

A few days later, as she navigated through countless websites, 91精选鈥檚 name was聽on a list of 鈥淭op Christian Social Work Programs in Chicago,鈥� and that caught her eye. Intrigued, she looked through the College鈥檚 website and was amazed by how many things 91精选 checked off her list of criteria for the right college. Without hesitation, she filled out an application.

About a week later, Mia received an email inviting her to apply for the Founders Scholarship. Fueled by hope, she completed the application, crafted her essay, and submitted it, praying for a miracle. Weeks later, the email came with great news: she had advanced to the next round. The next step was visiting 91精选鈥檚 for a day of interviews, and Mia鈥檚 nerves were high. It was her first time stepping foot onto campus.

On a brisk morning in February 2022, she stepped into the Grand Lobby in the Ozinga Chapel Auditorium, determined to show her true self, confident that God had brought her to 91精选 for a reason. As the day unfolded, she hoped the interviewers could see past her nerves and recognize her God-given potential. A week later, her 91精选 admissions counselor made a two-hour drive to her home with exciting news: Mia had been awarded the Founders Scholarship! God had indeed worked a miracle, and she was finally going to college.

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mia鈥檚 first question to her admissions counselor was, 鈥淪o, who can I thank?鈥� Later that day, she took to pen and paper, pouring her heart into a letter recounting her story and expressing her deep appreciation for the donors who had made her scholarship possible.

For three years, Mia held onto that letter, longing for the opportunity to meet the individuals behind the generosity that changed her life. Now, standing before donors at the 65^th celebration gala, she finally had the chance to express her gratitude. 鈥淭hank you for trusting God enough to give, even when you didn鈥檛 know what would come of it,鈥� she said, her voice steady and sincere. 鈥淵our gift was not just financial support; it was an opportunity to become the person God intended me to be and to live the life I always dreamed of. Because of you, I stand here today, and for that, I am eternally grateful.鈥�

Mia’s story is a powerful testament to the impact of hope, perseverance, and generosity. From her humble beginnings, she navigated a path filled with uncertainty. Yet, her unwavering faith led her to 91精选, where she found not just an education but a community. As she stood there at the gala, her heartfelt words were filled with the spirit of gratitude that had fueled her journey. Mia鈥檚 experience represents the countless students whose college dreams are brought to life through the generosity of others. With every opportunity she now embraces, Mia honors the faith and trust placed in her, determined to pay it forward and inspire others to pursue their college dreams, just as she did.

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