2021 Scholarship Recipients

Through its high school scholarship program, Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen celebrates the life of its founder George E. Allen, Sr. A native Virginian from Lunenburg County, George Allen overcame many challenges in his early life. He put himself through college and law school and went on to found Allen, Allen, Allen & Allen, one of the premier personal injury law firms in Virginia and in the country. In his honor, the firm awards 15 scholarships each year, in the amount of $2,000 each, to Virginia high school seniors who have overcome adversity and who show significant academic promise.

Congratulations to our 2021 George E. Allen Academic Scholarship recipients! We wish them all the best as they begin their college careers.

Tyler English

Tyler is a senior at the Leadership Center for the Science and Engineering Norview High School in Norfolk, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It’s an honor! This is the first scholarship I’ve heard back from. It just shows that if you are focused and determined to get something done, you can get it accomplished.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: My mom. I lost my dad to cancer in 2018 and she has been a rock for me in the process. She has paid medical bills, helped me with my college applications, and more. She works very long hours and I work double shifts to help ends meet. This scholarship too, because with her help I was able to accomplish this.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: There is a joke that my sister makes that I am domesticated. I like cleaning the house and cooking. I had to do it because my mom is at work, but I enjoy it. I take care of the house in my free time - it’s soothing.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: University of Virginia

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: The pandemic is another roadblock. If you have willpower and determination that the roadblock shouldn’t be a problem. As long as you are versatile and have what it takes to get something done, you will.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I am majoring in Chemistry. I either want to go into chemistry or pharmaceutical chemistry.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would tell them to keep their head up high. It’s always good to have someone to talk to that can offer a helping hand and give you a mental reset. This will allow you to keep moving forward.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I would say being versatile is my strongest character trait. When I am thrown a bunch of diffident things, I can get the situation under control and get everything done.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Very much. It makes you mature faster. You have the ability to help others to overcome something similar and can give them advice on overcoming their challenge.

Aisha Khan

Aisha will be graduating from Woodbridge Senior High School in Woodbridge, Virginia this Spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means an opportunity to honor the sacrifices my family has made for me. It also represents helping to close the achievement gaps for lower income students.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: A lot of the humanities teachers I’ve had have helped me to think critically about social problems and made me believe I can make a difference.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I am passionate bout making sure immigrants have the same access to healthcare and education as everyone else.

Q: Have you decided where will you be attending college next year?
A: Not yet, but Yale is my top choice

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I think it has inspired me in a lot of ways seeing my peers protest for the things they want to believe in. It was a difficult year for my family but knowing we have survived it, I’m grateful knowing that I’m being here when others have faced lots of difficulties.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I think probably Environmental Studies and Spanish

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would tell them to be relentless and believe in themselves. After every challenge, there is a reward, no matter how bad a situation may be something good will come out of it.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: a. Empathy. I really enjoy getting to know and understand people’s perspectives on everything.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I would tell them they cannot be afraid to ask for help. Have a group of people you can trust. Do not shy away from your problems – push to talk about them.

Trinity MacDonald

Trinity is a graduating senior from Louisa County High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means a lot. It means that I can be proud of the things I’ve accomplished. It means others think I have accomplished a lot too. It will help me a lot in college. I am not getting help from family so I am relying heavily on scholarships.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: My grandma has been my biggest influence. Before I lived with her, I didn’t try in school. She has made me strive to be my best, get good grades, and be active in activities like church and community service.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I like to sing. I’ve been riding horses since I was two years old. My family is into horseback riding which is why I want to go into Equine Science.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: I plan on attending Virginia Tech.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: It’s complicated some things. I’ve had to work a lot harder to make sure I’ve been getting everything done for school. I have had to schedule my time in order to get college applications done. During 2020, I considered community college, but after talking to Virginia Tech I was convinced I should attend and was assured we would be on campus.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I will be in the Agriculture and Animal College Veterinary track and to major in Equine Science pre-vet.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: Never give up and always look for the positives in life. Find something you are passionate about and keep doing it. Try your best with everything.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I’m very helpful and determined to do the things I want to do. I’ve been super involved in my community and helping others while staying on top of school to get things done I know need to get done.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I do feel like it’s changed me. It has helped me grow as a person and learn from my experiences. I don’t have to let those obstacles define me. I can overcome them and strive to do great things despite the obstacles I’ve faced.

Mohammad Murad

Mohammad is a senior at Brooke Point High School in Stafford, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: Receiving this scholarship means a lot to me. It opens opportunities that weren’t previously available. I will not have to think as much about the money when making my college choice, allowing me to pursue what I want without restraints or restructurations.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: If I had to pick one, I would pick my father. He came to the United States as an immigrant a while back. We have a “standard” immigrant story, but to me it is special because it is me and my father. He sacrificed a lot and I know he worked hard. Seeing how hard he worked has inspired me to work even harder, so I can help take care of him and my mom.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: My biggest hobby is reading. I love anything I can get my hands on. I also enjoy working out, specifically running, lifting, and yoga. School wise, I did wrestling and track. I also like being with my friends.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: University of Virginia!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I tend to stress a lot about the future. A lot of my time and energy went into thinking about the future. I realized that no matter how much you plan, things are ultimately out of your control. You can do the best you can now, but you must leave the rest up to God or whatever higher power you believe in. It doesn’t mean you shouldn’t have goals, but things may get in the way.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I haven’t decided specifically yet but want to go towards something in Mathematics. I have considered Computer Science, Data Science, and Economics.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would just say just keep pushing through. Don’t worry so much about the small stuff, but focus on your goals and do the best you can. Always put 100% into what you do.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: My determination or tenacity. When I’m extremely set on something, I don’t let anything stop me from getting there.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Yes, of course. No one can go through an obstacle without changing. If you’re making a sword, you must heat it, freeze it, and finally hammer it to make it sharp. Life is that way too. There’s a reason for everything even if you can’t see why some things are happening. Sometimes you have to get through the hard times to get to a better place.

Shrinidhi Nadagouda

Shrinidhi is a senior in the Todd Allen Phillips Center for Medical Sciences at Mills Godwin High School in Henrico, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It is a huge surprise. It’s also a huge relief because I have been doing financial planning while looking at colleges and it is stressful. $2,000 means so much; it will pay for a lot of things. I’m so honored to have received it.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: My parents have had the biggest influence on my life. We immigrated to the United States when I was three years old and everything they have done has been to help my brother and me succeed. They have inspired me to achieve my goals

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: In my free time, I do a lot of arts and crafts. Love to paint and do different crafts -especially embroidery and knitting. I also love to run and bike – doing any outside exercise.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: I have not decided yet.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: The last year has affected me academically. I was able to really spend more time thinking about what I want to do in the future and what is most important to me. Academically, it was important that I kept up with school. It made me aware of others’ struggles and how I can help them. I’ve been fortunate enough not have my life change too drastically because of the pandemic, but other people in my communities have and the pandemic has done that for a lot of people, so it’s made me more passionate about helping others.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: My plan is to major in physics. I want to go into engineering or become a physicist.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: My strongest character trait is that I am dependable. with my family and friends. I am always there to support if anyone calls me or needs help.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Yes. Going through cancer changed the course of my life and made me more mature in a sense. You deal with a lot of things that other kids don’t have to deal with at that age. I learned to be mindful and present in the moment and to be grateful for my family, friends, and health. I am grateful for what I have.

Juwon Park

Juwon will be graduating from Western Albemarle High School in Crozet, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means a lot to me. College is important to me. I want to further my academic education and career interests. This scholarship will really help me financially.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: I would say my parents, especially my dad. We moved from Korea to America. My dad has worked so hard; all of my hard work is rooted in him.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I am passionate about community service. I’ve been clubs in school for community service, so in my free time I volunteer. I also really like hiking, hanging out with my friends, and reading.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: I have committed to the University of Virginia.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: Obviously, the last year was difficult, but brought me challenges. But it also made me learn ways to solve problems. It was difficult to find ways to communicate in my extracurricular activities during the pandemic, but I was able to solve this problem in a new way. I was able to learn new leadership and problem-solving skills by doing so which are necessary skills for the future.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I am not 100% sure, but maybe Mathematics or Economics.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would say just have perseverance and don’t ever give up. This is one of the most important pieces of advice I can give. Everyone has challenges but you will overcome them, so follow your dreams.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I think my strongest character trait is determination because I’ve overcome so may challenges. I didn’t give up, but used them to overcome. It’s allowed me to reach my goals.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Yes, I do really think that it has changed my perspective. I am more confident and try to solve problems in new ways. This is a very important skill because I know that there will be many more challenges in my future.

Lisa Parker

Lisa is a senior at Prince George High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: This scholarship means that I will be able to further my academic career and achieve my goal of becoming a teacher. I want to help my students get through their own problems and achieve their own goals.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: My Girl Scout troop leader. She has taught me the importance of being involved in my community and being strong during difficult times. She recently had a heart attack and still showed up for our scout meetings. She is resilient.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I really enjoy reading. I currently serve as the library aide at school. I love soccer and dance and have done both for 10 years and enjoy volleyball. I enjoy Girl Scouts, and am Sunday school teacher at my church.

Q: Have you decided where you will be attending college next year?
A: Yes, Christopher Newport. I applied early decision!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: It has pushed me to work harder. There will always be obstacles in life. For example, when COVID-19 hit, I was working on my Gold Award project for Girl Scouts. I had an idea to hold an in-person event, but we couldn’t do that during the pandemic. I am not technologically advanced at all but taught myself how to make a website instead. I had to work harder to achieve my goals, but overall it was just a small bump in the road.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I want to be an English teacher certified for K-12 but teach 8th grade.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would tell them that they need to trust and to love themselves. This sounds cliché, but I realized that I wasted so much time getting people to like me. Others don’t define me. Focus on yourself and achieving your goals.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I would say helpfulness. I love helping others. If someone needs something I will drop what I’m doing to help them.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I have realized that you need confidence. Always trust in yourself and put your best foot forward.

Benjamin Rodgers

Benjamin is a senior graduating from BackCreek Academy.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It honestly means a lot to me and my family. Through this I will be able to achieve my dream of getting a higher education, to build a firm foundation for my future.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: I'm going to have to do the cliché and say my parents. All jokes aside they have taught me to fight for my dreams, push myself to be a better person, and they have shown me good examples through their own lives.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I love traveling, hanging out with friends, listening to music, sports and the hardware side of computers, although it probably won't be a career choice.

Q: Where you will be attending college next year?
A: Liberty University!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: It has taught me to be adjustable to new situations and outcomes. To believe in myself and the abilities that God has given me and that I can conquer my dreams if I put my mind to it.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I am going in undeclared. I have a few ideas for career paths in the future but I like to have my options open, especially when college will expose me to many areas I never knew existed.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: Believe in yourself and don't get down when a problem occurs: acknowledge it, solve it and learn from it.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I am very independent. I like doing and learning things on my own and often don't let others influence my opinion, especially in a negative way.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: It grew my faith in Christ and gave me confidence that he would bring me through hard things. Being born with a facial deformity doesn't define who I am, it just allowed me to discover who I can become.

Madison Russell

Madison will be graduating from Monacan High School in Chesterfield, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means a lot to me. I am very excited about going to college. I would like to relieve as much aid as possible, because I would like to extend my studies a few years after college. I would like to save money now by receiving scholarship money so I can do as much schooling as possible.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Yes, my mom.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I’m very passionate about getting my work done. I am very organized and like to get things done in an orderly fashion. I’m passionate about working hard, making money, helping people, and volunteer every opportunity I get. I am also passionate about opening my own business one day.

Q: Where you will be attending college next year?
A: James Madison University.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: It was definitely something I never expected or thought we would have to live through. The pandemic changed my perspective to work hard to get where you want to go. I definitely learned how important it is to keep up to date with what’s going on in the world.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: Health Services Administration.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I always try to keep my head up and keep moving forward. You will go through rough spots in life, but it is all just part of the process of getting where you need to go. You will see a rainbow at the end if you persevere through your challenges.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I would probably say my motivational skills. It pushes me to do anything. If I’m down I push myself to keep going.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I definitely think It changed me for the better and not worse. I went through a lot growing up and helped me build who I am today and showed how I need to be strong and independent through everything. You just have to keep going.

Dinachi Utah

Dinachi is a senior at Deep Run High School in Glen Allen.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: I’m super thankful. Its one of the first private scholarships I’ve received. I consider myself middle class which makes it hard to apply for financing and college. In reality, what is show on your FAFSA is unattainable. It puts you in a tough spot, so I have been applying to private scholarships. I am so thankful to receive this.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Yes, I would say my mom. She is very hardworking. I was born in Nigeria and moved to the United States with my her. She was in medical school when I was born and has managed to take care of me. We didn’t have any family in the United States when we moved here. She has created a great life for me, so I am very thankful for her. She also gives me great advice.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I like keeping active playing sports. I also enjoy talking about political and social issues with my friends. Even if they are not as educated on a topic, I try to keep them updated about what is happening. I like having discussions about what I believe in, but I am also interested in hearing other’s opinions to expand my thinking.

Q: Where you will be attending college next year?
A: Virginia Tech!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: This last year has given me a lot of time to focus on what I want to do. At first, I wanted to be a nurse, then ultimately decided on computer science. Having a lot of free time helped with that.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I plan to major in Computer Science.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: Keeping yourself accountable is very important. Believing that you are in control of what your future is, no matter what your circumstances. You are in control of your life at any time.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I’m very resilient. If I set a goal, I’m always achieving my goal. I hold myself accountable very well. I don’t expect anyone else to hold me accountable.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I do think it’s changed me. I have different perspectives: I am an immigrant, an African American, middle class, and live in a suburban area. This helps me connect with different groups of people well. The biggest lesson I have learned is probably to not to judge people based on their circumstances. You cannot choose the circumstances you were born into. Anyone can do anything.

Alex Vandermeys

Alex is a graduating senior from James River High School in Midlothian, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: This scholarship will help me finance more of my college education. I really need it so I am very thankful. I am going to use this to better my community and help with research for anemia – use this to help me further education to help me better my anemia community.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: My mom has been my biggest inspiration. She’s been with me every step of the way. She is my rock, has helped me get through school, and pushed me to be the best person I can be. She really has impacted me and gotten to me where I am today.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I am very passionate about my friends. They are important to me and always have my back, so I want to do the same for them. I also love sports. I’m not the best player, bit just love to consume basketball, football and NASCAR. I am always open to learning new things and exploring different passions. I am hoping I can find something to get involved with at school.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: Virginia Tech.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I think 2020 has reaffirmed how much meeting people means to me and how important my friendships are. It has put a strain on my relationships with people. But, it has also allowed me to enjoy life, take a step back, and focus on my relationships with others. I have learned to put myself in other’s shoes – to be sympathetic and compassionate – showing that I care about them even in these troubling times.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: This is still up in the air for me. I am going into school undecided but want to focus on something in the math field.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would tell them to take everything one day at a time. I’ve been through my challenges and had to take it slowly. I know that, although I’ve had setbacks, there’s always tomorrow. Be patient, respect everything you’ve gone through and take everything one day at a time.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: My compassion for other people. I will always include people and am very empathetic. I understand where people are coming from. Understanding people at a deeper level and putting their needs before mine, acting as their coach in a way, is probably one of my stronger traits.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I would say that overcoming obstacles that I have has given me a new appreciation to my life. I don’t know how much time I have, I must enjoy every day. Live every day, don’t just live for the weekend or summer. Treat Mondays Tuesdays Wednesdays the same as the weekend. Enjoy life and take nothing for granted.

Ollie Walker

Ollie is a senior at Douglas Freeman High School in Richmond, Virginia.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: This means a lot to me and my family. For me, in many aspects, it’s a milestone. It’s an example of an achievement. The George E. Allen Academic Scholarship recognizes people that have been through hardship and it allows my hardship to be used for something good.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Plenty of people! I’ve met a lot of people when I was in residential that really positively changed my life for the better when I going through the process.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I am a digital artist and I do that for work as a side job and also as a hobby. I also like taking care of plants, listening to music, and playing video games as well as collecting vintage consoles.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: I have committed to VCU Honors College.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I would say that it has reaffirmed the direction I am going in. The pandemic helped me in a lot I was struggling with. I am autistic and struggle with social things; obstacles in my life that aren’t there for many people. Virtual school put me on a virtual playing field with my peers.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I want to major in Environmental Sciences and do something in Fisheries and Marine biology.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would say that even though you feel that nothing is going to get better, it just takes longer than you think it will for it to get better. if you stick with it, things will get better.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I do a good job of being an arbiter. When people are having an argument or disagreement, I can impartial no matter what I feel about a situation. My values help me in this.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: It has definitely and completely changed my life, and definitely for the better. It is not really what you go through, it is how you overcome it that makes you better.

Kaylaa' White

Kaylaa' is a senior at Prince George High School.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means the world honestly. NYU is my dream school. For a little bit of last year, I didn’t think I would be alive or well enough to attend college. Knowing the financial burden will be taken off is amazing.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Definitely my mom. I am the eldest of 3 children. Seeing her strength and how she has given us the best opportunities she could, has inspired me to be my best and a good role model for my younger siblings.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I love to listen to music and to write. I just published my first book. I am going to school for dramatic writing, so it is full circle.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: NYU!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I had a major shift in the way I thought. I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis last year and was sick in between May and September. I was hospitalized for a week in September at the beginning of my senior year, but still attended all my classes and wrote my college essay while in the hospital. It pushed me to not take things for granted that I did before. This was the reason I decided to publish my book.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: Dramatic Writing.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: Be yourself, even if, in the environment you are in, you can’t be yourself. Stay true to your morals and what you believe in and push yourself you can be your biggest cheerleader.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: My adaptability is my strongest character trait. I find it has helped me throughout my life in learning to be around different people and learn their stories.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Yes, definitely. It has taught me to not take things for granted and appreciate the people in my life that are closest to me.

Cory Winkler

Cory is graduating from Stafford High School this spring.

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: This scholarship is really important to me because I was not sure if I was going to be able to be able to afford room and board and tuition and not sure if I would have to live with my sister so this will help me with room and board to be able to stay in a dorm – which is really important to me for the college experience – immerse myself in school and get to know people.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Yes – I have 5 siblings and the eldest is getting her PhD right now. Earlier this year, I had a stroke and was bummed about it. I was not in a great place and since, recovery has been slow. She also has gone through some medical and emotional issues. She is strong: she has gotten through hit, has a family and is currently getting her PhD. She pushes me to get through recovery and school.

Q: What are you passionate about? What do you do in your free time?
A: I have been doing competitive cheerleading for 10 years and it has been my life. My team is my family and they have become my best friends. Cheer has taught me so many great things and my team means so much to me. The sport is very important to me.

Q: Where will you be attending college next year?
A: William & Mary!

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I had a stroke at the beginning of COVID-19. Getting in touch with doctors and therapists was really difficult. Those that did come through and were able to meet me virtually and cleared their schedules to do so. It made me realize that I want to do that – I want to help other, specifically children. I want to be that person for someone else and I came to that realization during COVID-19.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: I have not made anything official but I am looking into neuroscience. I want to continue on in a neuroscience program to get my MD and PhD and eventually become a pediatric neurologist.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I think that the one thing I would tell them is that the road is very long, but it does have a destination. Whether what you are going through is emotional or physical, there is a destination no matter how long it takes to get there. Don’t give up just because the road is long.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I think that would be resilience. I don’t give up on the smallest thing or something life-changing or major. I have learned that from my cheer coaches. That makes me who I am, and it is what makes me so strong.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: Absolutely. Before my stroke I was very naïve or immature; I was just going through life and didn’t have a big picture view of things. I didn’t see what things really meant and going through my obstacles has changed me. I’m more personable and spend time getting to know people rather then just getting to know them on the surface. I really enjoy getting to know them because you never know what someone is going through underneath the surface, even if they look fine on the outside.

Kevin Xue

Cory is graduating from Deep Run High School in Glen Allen, Virginia .

Q: What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
A: It means a lot to me. College is something I have wanted to do since I started primary school. This scholarship makes it a lot easier and takes some of the burden off of worrying about finances.

Q: Is there someone in your life that has inspired you to achieve your goals?
A: Both of my parents were immigrants from China. They moved to the United States from Canada. They got to be where they are today and are successful because of their own dedication and hard work. They have inspired me to be who I am today.

Q: Have you decided where you will be attending college next year?
A: Not yet. I am deciding between three.

Q: How has the last year reshaped or reaffirmed your views on your future?
A: I think it reaffirmed the importance of maintaining personal connections. Even though it has been especially difficult, getting through whatever comes my way will be easier because of this year.

Q: Have you decided on a major? If so, do you have any specific career plans?
A: Mechanical Engineering. I probably want to work in robotics.

Q: What advice would you give younger students facing similar challenges as you?
A: I would say one piece of advice is to take a little time every day to appreciate everything in your world to make your life a little bit better. I did it every day when I woke up when I was having a lot of trouble. People worked to make my life better easier and happier. This made my day more bearable.

Q: What do you consider your strongest character trait?
A: I would say my friendship. It makes it easier to work with people I may not have originally talked to. I have met a lot of really cool people.

Q: Do you feel that overcoming an obstacle, like you have, has changed you? What lessons have you learned along the way?
A: I would say a little bit. I don’t think I became an especially different person, but after I came back from the hospital I made a lot more effort to talk to more people and talk to people more and be more outgoing. When life gives you lemons, you have to find a way to make lemonade. You realize there are lots of people that will help you do that.