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Making a Difference...investing in the future
From a speech given by student Logan Shine at the 2008 UW-Fond du Lac Scholarship and Donor Recognition Reception
 CMy name is Logan, and I am the recipient of a scholarship provided by the Wings Over Wisconsin Eden Chapter. This is the beginning of my second year at UW-Fond du Lac, and I wouldn’t be doing it without the support of the Wings organization.
It’s hard to think of a better place to be right now. All I know, for sure, is that I am honored to be here, and grateful to the generous donors whose support has already proven indispensible this semester, and to the UW-Fond du Lac Foundation for helping to make this possible.
My path to college was a winding one. In fact, while I was in high school, it never crossed my mind that I could have all of the opportunities that I have had so far at UW-Fond du Lac. Whether it is being active in the Multicultural Club, dressing up as the Easter Bunny for a children’s party, or having the simple pleasure of wearing pajamas to school in winter, it never occurred to me that I would be enjoying this kind of experience. It actually took eye-openers, from what many people would consider unlikely sources, to help me understand that education was an option for me.
One of those unlikely sources was my friend, Sam. I met him when I was 13. He had spent most of his childhood in a juvenile detention center, and couldn’t ever seem capable of leaving trouble behind him.
When I was 19, my life revolved around my friends and acquaintances. Though I was one of the only ones to have received a high school diploma, I was really going nowhere. In my own mind, I had no options. A few days before Sam was scheduled to start a ten-year prison term, he told me that I could do more with my own life and that I needed to take advantage of the opportunities that existed in my life.
Logan Shine with Joe Devilice, Wings Over Wisconsin – Eden Chapter |
The message I was given that day is sometimes the only thing that keeps me motivated when things seem tough. Whenever I think giving up is the route to take, all I have to do is realize how many people do not have the same opportunities I have. Honestly, many of us are here tonight only because of the opportunities like scholarships offer.
Ever since I decided to major in forestry, I viewed it as my “opportunity.” Whether it was finding the right school, or funding the venture, it was my chance. Without the investment of the Eden Chapter of Wings Over Wisconsin, I would not be here tonight.
I also realize that because of this support, my education is no longer just mine. I share it with the people who have faith in my success by providing this scholarship. I feel blessed. It is really quite encouraging that others have invested in our educational undertakings. Few things are more encouraging.
Christa Williams
Executive Director |
Every gift makes a difference at UW-Fond du Lac. We welcome and encourage gifts at all levels. It is through the support of the community, alumni and friends that the UW-Fond du Lac Foundation makes a difference by providing scholarships, awarding grants for professional development to faculty and staff, sponsoring educational and cultural events for the entire community to enjoy, and supporting campus initiatives that would not otherwise be possible.
Contact the UW-Fond du Lac Foundation today to find out how your gift makes a difference at UW-Fond du Lac.
Phone: (920) 929-1135
E-mail: uwfdlfoundation@uwc.edu
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