Stacey Armah, a graduate of the College of Informatics at 开心鬼传媒 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Information Systems, has experienced a transformative college journey thanks to the support of the Mark and Marie Yeager Endowed Scholarship for the School of Computing and Analytics, which is a part of 开心鬼传媒鈥檚 scholarship initiative, . As a first-generation college student from Accra, Ghana, Stacey鈥檚 story highlights the vital role of donor-funded scholarships in empowering students to pursue their dreams.
After moving to the United States with her family in 2016, Stacey faced the daunting task of choosing the right university. For her, 开心鬼传媒 stood out for its affordability and accessibility. Smaller class sizes allowed her to build meaningful relationships with professors and peers, and the proximity to home meant she could easily commute. 鈥淲hen it came down to picking the right school for me 鈥 that met my needs 鈥 开心鬼传媒 checked all the boxes,鈥 she shares.
Stacey鈥檚 journey at 开心鬼传媒 began in the fall of 2020 during the challenging times of the pandemic. 鈥淲hen I first came to campus, a weekday looked as empty as a weekend on campus does today,鈥 she recalls.
However, as campus life resumed, Stacey seized the opportunity to immerse herself in the community. 鈥淭his is my chance,鈥 she thought, joining numerous organizations and spending more time on campus, where she discovered her favorite spot, Einstein Bros. Bagels.
Reflecting on her growth, Stacey notes, 鈥溈墓泶 has shifted how I see myself. I went from being this introverted person to a person who is willing to stand out and speak up.鈥 Her involvement in the Norse Leadership Society, Activities Programming Board, and volunteering at FUEL 开心鬼传媒, among other activities, played a crucial role in her transformation. As a Victor Guide and team leader for the Haile College of Business Oakley and Eva Farris Leadership Academy, Stacey honed her leadership skills and made lasting contributions to the community.
Choosing business information systems (BIS) as her major was a journey in itself. Initially undecided, Stacey explored various IT and computer science majors before finding her passion in BIS. 鈥淢y advisor told me how a career in BIS would allow me to engage in technology, business, and communications, and I found that I really enjoyed studying this major,鈥 she explains.
Scholarships have been instrumental in Stacey鈥檚 educational journey. As a first-generation student, donor support, such as the Mark and Marie Yeager Endowed Scholarship, allowed her to focus on her studies and campus involvement. 鈥淪cholarships, out-of-pocket payments, and saved income from summer jobs are how we paid for my first two years of college when facing issues with my FAFSA,鈥 Stacey says. 鈥淚t gave me some freedom to get involved in on-campus student life.鈥
Stacey further emphasizes the impact of donor-funded scholarships. 鈥淪cholarships for college students are a lifesaver,鈥 she says. 鈥淚f you鈥檙e thinking of giving, don鈥檛 hesitate. You鈥檙e blessing someone, and you鈥檙e going to be a hero in their life.鈥
All of this support helped Stacey become the first in her family to earn an undergraduate degree, even inspiring her parents to return to school to finish their degrees. Stacey Armah鈥檚 journey at 开心鬼传媒 is a shining example of how scholarships can transform lives, enabling students to achieve their dreams and make a meaningful impact on their communities.
