Altogether amazing generosity

Osagiede is now a sophomore in molecular and cellular biology with the potential to secure two minors in chemistry and French. Though she nearly chose a different plan of study, it only took one course within MCB to solidify her choice.

“Molecular and cellular biology is particularly fascinating, because we can't see any of it and yet it has such a massive impact on our lives. A few molecules can make a world of difference,” she said. “Everything in the life sciences has a cause and effect.”

One day, she hopes to become a pediatrician or obstetrician.

“My dream specialty is heavily influenced by who my clientele would be,” she said. “I believe I would create the best relationships with these populations, and a healthy doctor-patient relationship is critical for quality care.”

Choosing Illinois was an easy decision as it was her best option academically and financially. “Initially, I was drawn to the school’s rigorous biology program; then, my generous financial aid package sealed the deal,” she said. “Receiving the Margaret Ann and George William Hann Scholarship has allowed me to study at Illinois without worries. I don’t have to worry about debt or student loans or whether I can afford to spend another semester here. I am eternally grateful for how this scholarship has lifted such a heavy burden off the shoulders of myself and my parents.”

“In political science you have to know a little bit about everything,” he explained. “At the end of the day you need to know how to analyze things and the hard science behind action. I really wanted to know more than just how to win an election but more about the studies and facts behind the scenes.”

When applying to schools, Lee considered several options; however, Illinois was his top choice as it had the most to offer him in terms of programming and financial support.

“A large portion of my student loan capacity was taken away because of the Stanton R. Cook Scholarship I’ve received,” he explained. “I still have some on my plate, but I don’t feel like I’m compromising. It’s amazing.”

Lee’s Illinois experience has been framed within a context of successful internships, exploring his faith, and his work for the student government. Since October 2018, Lee has worked as a columnist for The Daily Illini where he has written about the college student experience and the 2020 election cycle, a topic reserved for senior writers.

“That’s the hottest topic right now for everyone,” he explained.

Within the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, Lee has taken classes outside of his major areas of study to gain a broader educational foundation through philosophy and religion courses.

“This opportunity really expanded my world,” he said. “I believe I genuinely received a holistic liberal arts education. I am definitely satisfied with my educational experience.”

“The first years of my life were as if I was in Poland, because my parents only knew that culture,” she explained. “I was born in Chicago, but my parents spoke very little English before I went to preschool. I still have a very strong connection to Poland though I’ve spent the majority of my life in Chicago.”

Madel’s first language is Polish, and she spent her adolescence traveling to Poland to visit family. As an Illinois freshman, she makes great attempts to maintain her connection by tuning into Polish politics and news, reading in Polish when possible, and even setting her default language to Polish on her electronics.

“It’s a part of my life; it’s a part of me,” she said. “I grew up for so many years existing in this Polish frame. At the foundation, I’m Polish. I think it’s important to maintain that, and I’m very lucky to have that. I don’t know how I’d feel about losing the way I grew up.”

Madel is a Spanish major who speaks four languages–Polish, English, Spanish, and Russian.

“I’m a logical thinker,” she said. “I do well with a methodological thinking, and I believe languages fall within that.”

While weighing options after high school, Madel applied to six schools and ultimately made her decision to attend Illinois based on the university’s proven success and the opportunity for financial support through scholarships. As the child of immigrants, Madel is the first of her generation to navigate post-secondary education in the United States.

“It only made sense to choose Illinois,” she explained. “I didn’t have any older siblings to tell me how to navigate that. Expenses at home would make it really tight for my parents to provide any funding for my college education. Coming here to college has been the best year of my life so far. Overall, the Mathy Family Scholarship has allowed me to become independent at age 19. It’s made the difference of a lifetime to support myself and pay my expenses.”