As a first-generation college student, I wasn’t certain that I would last a year in university, let alone four. Looking back on my journey I can say with certainty that, without financial aid, I would not be here today.

I am so grateful to be the recipient of the Homer Balabanis Economics Scholarship. It truly warms my heart to know that there are donors out there willing to contribute to a complete stranger’s education, allowing them to better themselves without facing a crippling amount of student loan debt.

In large part due to the scholarships I’ve been awarded over my four years here at HSU, I will be graduating debt-free in the spring of 2018. I can’t tell you how good that feels.