It’s projected that by 2018, 62 percent of American jobs will require at least a bachelor’s degree, but the United States workforce is expected to have a shortfall of qualified candidates to fill these positions, leaving a gap of 3 million unfilled jobs. Last September, we asked community college students to share their stories as they rise to the challenge to build a better future. In our GOOD Maker challenge Dream Big For College and Your Future, presented by Achieving the Dream, we asked college students to submit videos telling us what their dream job is and how college is helping them get there. The GOOD Community watched more than 100 of their video stories and voted for who they thought deserved one of three scholarships. The votes are in and we’re excited to introduce you to the three inspiring winners.
Melissa Leon, a South Texas College student in McAllen, Texas, studying psychology, is the first place winner of a $1,500 scholarship. Not able to speak English when she first moved to America, Leon is now taking honor courses at her community college and is a member of two honor societies. To plan for her transition to a four-year college, Leon says, “Next spring semester I graduate from my community college and I am planning on transferring. Some of my options are Cornell University in New York; Cornell College in Iowa; Texas A&M and The University of Texas at Austin.” Leon plans to put the scholarship in the bank for now. “I am just saving as much money as I can for when I transfer,” she says.
Second place winner Jessica Kranson is currently enrolled in the nursing program at St. Clair County Community College in Port Huron, Michigan, and plans to use the scholarship to further her ability to help others. “I would like to purchase a first aid kit for my car. As a nurse we have a duty to do good, which means being there to help others wherever and whenever we can. From a child scraping their knee on the playground to the scene of a car accident before EMS arrives, I want to be properly equipped,” she says. Other items Kranson plans to use her scholarship for include a high-grade stethoscope in order to “hear every heart and lung sound” as well as books, study guides and renewing her Basic Life Support certification that’s required at her school.
In third place with a $500 scholarship is Chipo Moyo, a student at Tarrant County College in Hurst, Texas, who is currently enrolled in the business administration program while also pursing psychology, and graphic and fashion design. Moyo says, “I will be using my scholarship money to purchase art materials for an art project I am working on.” Moyo is beginning her online presence noting, “I will be launching a blog and website soon, and would like to build a presence for my work on Etsy.”
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