Frances M.

COI: Why did you apply for the scholarship? What made you think you were a match for it?

Frances: As an only child in a single-parent household back in high school, I worked in the guidance counselor's office during my study hall period each day to help pay for my tuition at a private Catholic school. The counselors there encouraged me to apply for every scholarship I could find, which helped finance my undergraduate degree at Trinity University. Now, over 35 years later as a doctoral student, I find that lesson has stayed with me - and has stayed relevant to achieving my goals. The fact that UNT's Eagle Scholarship Portal can push out the General Application to any applicable scholarships is so amazing! I'm so grateful that UNT makes it easy to apply.

COI: How has this scholarship helped you reach your goals?

Frances: When I decided it was time for me to make my dream of earning my Ph.D. a reality, my husband and I analyzed our budget and planned for how we would rearrange finances and make certain sacrifices to afford this. Receiving the E. Bruce Street, Sr. Scholarship from the Learning Technologies department has helped make things easier - and makes me feel I can afford certain luxuries I've given up during this journey. 

COI: Give us one or two highlights about what you have accomplished so far as a student in the program.

Frances: As a student in this program, I am most proud of the articles and book chapter I've had published. Transitioning from teacher to researcher is a challenge, but the support and guidance I've received from my professors has been amazing! I am now working with TCET on a project to bring digital curricula to Texas, aligning it to the Texas TEKS.