End Note: Saying thanks

A few of the many scholarship recipients express their gratitude for life-changing kindness and support.

As a recipient of the Coons Farrar Scholarship, I feel very blessed by the individuals who value the education and spiritual support we students receive in all of Harding’s programs. This scholarship is not just helping me progress through the next few semesters of nursing school at Harding, but it is helping me build a future in which I can serve God and others with a quality Christian education. For this, there are not enough words to say how grateful I am. Kara Brandt Junior nursing major Woodstock, Georgia

Sometimes people wonder why they are placed somewhere in life. This was a question that ran through my mind after I began my freshman year at Harding. Throughout life, I have never truly had that loving family who was supportive of my dreams to pursue something bigger than myself. Coming here has given me a new hope — to reach for the heights of my potential. Being surrounded by constant encouragement, persistent drive and enlightened optimism has shown me that the impossible can be possible. This opportunity would not be achievable without the selfless donors who are making my dreams into a reality. Christina Curtis Senior accounting major Greenbrier, Arkansas

I knew Harding was the place God wanted me to study the moment I stepped on campus during my junior year in high school. I had been on other college campuses, but I was unsure of God’s plan for my life until I visited Harding. Every time I came back to campus, I felt a certainty about where I should be to get the education I needed to follow my calling. Thank you so much for all you do to make an education at Harding possible for me. Caitlin Pepple Sophomore elementary education major Germantown, Tennessee

There is a house on Maple Street in Searcy that provides shelter, mentorship and wholesome entertainment to local kids in the community after school. I have been fortunate enough to volunteer there weekly for the last semester and a half, and I know that I have already made a positive impact in these kids’ lives in that short amount of time. Spending time with kids at Maple House has made me a better person because they are reminders that the world does not revolve around me (and I thank God for that). I want to offer my sincerest thanks to the donors who enable me to attend a school like Harding so that I can volunteer and grow at a place like Maple House. Their contributions are not in vain nor do they go unappreciated. Collin Phillips Senior cognitive ?neuroscience major League City, Texas

I have been blessed to attend Harding for the last two years. I have built friendships I cherish and have had the opportunity to learn from incredible professors who are passionate about their fields. I am so grateful for the faith-based community here, and I know I wouldn’t be able to experience it without the help from generous donors. Because of their donations, I am able to learn in a competitive academic environment, while also being surrounded by fellow believers who daily challenge me in my faith. Caroline Ritchie Junior biochemistry and molecular biology major Nashville, Tennessee

Harding has provided me with lifelong friends and has shaped me into the person I’ve always wanted to become. All of my professors have been more than helpful, and they genuinely want me to succeed. Some of them even pray before class starts, and that is something that would not be found at another school. God is seen everywhere on campus. Without our donors providing scholarships, there is no way that I would be able to experience the memories and Christian love that Harding offers! Kayley Ross Junior marketing major Mount Dora, Florida

Without the help of the donors to Harding University, I don’t know where I would be today. I never thought that I would have been able to pursue my post-high school education simply because I didn’t have the funds to fuel my future. However, with the help of donors, I’ve been able to receive an incredible education thus far, and I have gained the most Christ-like friends I’ve ever known through Knights social club. With the help of the generous people who selflessly donate to this wonderful school, young people like myself and others can pursue their dreams of getting a quality, Christian education. Jarred Shorter Sophomore marketing major Puyallup, Washington

Every time I get an email about a scholarship, I feel a pang of guilt because I don’t know what I could ever have done to receive such a gift. It’s a lesson in grace as well as a challenge to continue working hard. If I could thank the donors for anything specific, it would have to be the opportunity to travel abroad. Because of their generosity and thoughtfulness, I was able to go to London in fall 2015. I discovered what it felt like to be at home and fully myself in a place completely new. I often forget that experience was a gift. Thanks to the donors for extending a grace to me that is constantly opening my eyes. Suzannah Thompson Senior communication ?sciences and disorders major Lynn Haven, Florida