To the Colonel Phillip C Delong Detachment #1267 Marine Corps League,
I am writing to update you of my academic career and the journey I have had in my first year of college. I am majoring in Psychology with a focus in Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience while minoring in Communication Studies at the University of Florida in Gainesville. This first year has been such a journey with new experiences, struggles, triumphs, and growth. I have maintained a 3.7 GPA and am predicted to graduate three semesters earlier than scheduled. Thankfully, I can say that my first year would not have been the same without your gracious gift of the 2018 Leadership Scholarship Award. I am so grateful to have been able to go through these new experiences at college without the stress of financials looming over my head. I have been able to focus my full attention on my studies, as well as get involved in two wonderful organizations; the Navigators (a Christian community group) and the UF Psychology Club. Additionally, I have recently been accepted to two wonderful scholarly opportunities. First, an internship with the Clinical Psychology Associates of North Central Florida, where I will use my summer to learn real-world application and further my knowledge in the field of neuropsychology. Secondly, an ambassador program for the Center for Written and Oral Communication, where I will be improving my professional skills and acting as a representative for the classes and resources that the Center offers.
Overall, I just wanted to express my gratitude for the hard work your organization does in order to supply scholarships for students like myself -- your dedication is noticed, valued, and appreciated beyond measure.
Go Gators!
Rachel Burress
You can read more about Rachel and receiving her scholarship award at this link: