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Meet Leah - Director of Scholar Engagement

Meet Leah, our newest Director of Scholar Engagement! Leah is excited to work with each scholar to help them navigate their college experience. Hear more about her role by reading her full interview!

Where did you get your degree from?

I went to undergrad at Iowa State University and grad school at Buena Vista University with a Master’s in Education and Counseling. I am also a certified teacher, school counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

What is your role as the Director of Scholar Engagement? What are you excited to do in this role?

I am excited to begin my role as Director of Scholar Engagement and to work with each scholar to help them navigate their college experience. I enjoy working with students and helping them find their passion and turning it into a career.

What is your favorite way to waste time?

Right now, I spend a lot of time taking my two children to all their various activities. However, when I have free time, I enjoy reading, taking my dog on walks, and watching anything on Netflix.

What your biggest advice for scholars as they go through college?

My advice to scholars is to never be afraid to ask questions. Also, take the time to enjoy and explore your passions and interests because life is too short to only focus on the serious stuff.

“With each passing semester I become even more thankful for this scholarship. My college experience has been phenomenal and this scholarship deserves all the credit. You have allowed to me the opportunity to thoroughly enjoy receiving my education at the University of Iowa. I am thankful to be a Bright Scholar of Iowa. Thank you so much for the college experience you have let me have through this scholarship.”

“During college, the Bright Scholarship allowed me to focus on school instead of working multiple jobs to stay afloat. In my three years since college, the same has been true – instead of being forced to worry about accepting any job just to pay my student loans, I’ve been able to chase (and land) my dream job!”

“I want to personally thank the Bright Foundation for this year. I would not be nearly as successful without their financial support. I come from an incredibly humble background and the financial stability they have given me in the form of this scholarship has allowed me to commit my highest potential to my classwork. They are the reason I am the student I am today. I have tried to carry the Bright Foundation’s values close to my heart this academic year. I worked extremely hard and devoted much of my outside time to volunteer work. I cannot put into works how grateful I am for the opportunities this foundation has given me. They have laid the groundwork for all of my current and future success. I plan to celebrate these values, and this foundation for the rest of my life.”

“The most valuable part of being a Bright Scholar was experiencing college from a different perspective. I am so grateful for every opportunity and position I was able to hold because I had nothing to worry about and could truly enjoy every moment. Having the freedom to get involved allowed me to further my professional development and give back to the college and community, things I would not have been able to do if I didn’t have the scholarship.”

“I’m a student at DMACC and this award is extremely helpful and appreciated. All this past semester, I’ve been working and going to school while barely making it by. This award will give me the chance to focus on school more. I am so honored to receive it and I am so thankful there are people like you to help college students, like myself, out. I plan on finishing up school and becoming an elementary teacher. The scholarship will help me get one step closer to that goal!”

“My first year in college has been amazing. I was able to get involved with intramural sports, Iowa Wishmakers and Dance Marathon because you took the financial burden off my back and allowed for me to get the most out of my college experience. I’ve been able to focus on school and not worry about working which has allowed me to get the most out of my education. I was also able to fulfill one of my dreams before going to college; I was able to pay for a child’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with my graduation money because of your generosity and covering the expenses of my education. This first year has been great and I cannot wait for the next three years. Thank you Bright Scholars of Iowa!”