Scholarship Recipient: Hannah V., in the department of Library Sciences

Scholarship received: LIS Information Science Excellence Scholarship

College of Information recently spoke with Hannah about her scholarship, and here is what she had to say:

COI: Why did you apply for the scholarship? 

Hannah: After unemployment brought on by COVID, I wanted to make an intentional career change to a field that aligned with my values and interests. The first step to librarianship is a degree, and while I was thrilled to be accepted into and get started at UNT, cost was a limiting factor to how many courses I could take, and what kind of employment I would seek during the course of my education.

COI: What made you think you were a match for it? 

Hannah: I knew that I quantifiably qualified for these scholarships, but I believe my dedication to my studies and passion for the field of public librarianship were deciding factors that made me a great fit for this award.

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

Hannah: This scholarship, in tandem with COVID relief funds, allows me to stay on track for a two-year graduation plan by making the fall and spring semesters financially possible. As I begin to financially recover from eight months of unemployment, this award allows me to limit debts while maintaining momentum in my program and my studies. 

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

Hannah: One month after beginning the program, I received an offer for full time employment for the first time in 8 months. Of the eight months in the program, I have worked full time during seven of them, all while maintaining a perfect GPA.