The day I opened my scholarship letter was one of the best days of my life. I was heading to work… to wait tables…when I saw my mom heading over to the mailbox. I yelled out from my car for her to check if I had anything.

When she waved the familiar NIU envelope at me, I was afraid it was a bill, but when I opened the letter and read “Congratulations,” I was so excited, I jumped out into the street to tell my mom. I made my mom look at the letter to make sure it was really true, and when she smiled and congratulated me, that’s when it I finally believed it.

It’s really an amazing feeling to have someone help you, just because they can. I’m so thankful for the gift that my donor, Herb Eldean, has given me. I have more drive at school and for the work that I do, knowing that someone cares about my future and wants me to get an education.