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Scholarship search educates mom
His mother, Brenda Smith, learned about this scholarship, which
included an essay on "Why Pets are Important to People," while
doing research at the local library. Then a single mom and working at Bell
Helicopter, she needed the money to send her son to college. He got the $100. Smith continued her success, helping him secure seven more
scholarships that paid his four years of tuition at "I had to be part detective and very persistent," she
said. Smith knew she was on to something. That was more than eight years ago. Since then, Smith, 53,
researched her way to 15 scholarships to cover four years of tuition for her
daughter, Leslie, 21, who graduates from the Smith is conducting workshops on the subject, including a series
for the The book, which Smith self-published last year with the help of
her husband, Tommy, outlines each stage of the process from beginning the
research to getting the cash and maintaining an edge on the competition. Jerry Davis, college adviser at The Oakridge School, said he is
glad to see what he calls "information overload" compiled into one
source and invited Smith to participate in a recent seminar for his students. "Her book contains a lot of good information and makes some
really profound observations," If applicants read the book and follow the plan, Smith says,
they can expect to get at least $10,000 for college. The plan should begin in the ninth grade and include doing
research, applying for at least 50 scholarships, getting good grades and improving
SAT scores. Smith recommends that students write several essays covering
such topics as "The Most Important Person in My Life" or "My
Career Goals." She strongly suggests securing letters of recommendation from
teachers, counselors and community leaders, participating in school
activities and working part time or getting involved in community service. Carol Wilson, head counselor at "They are becoming more and more important," she said.
"Extracurricular activities indicate to scholarship committees that
those students can manage their time." "The money is out there," Like Smith, she says students must be willing to make the
effort. Smith says millions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed each
year. She maintains a Web site for students seeking scholarships
that provides an online application for a $500 scholarship that she
sponsors. An update of her book is in the works, along with a guide to money
available for graduate school and adults returning to college. Leslie Williams, who plans to pursue a career in public
relations, is thankful that her mother made such an extraordinary effort on
her behalf. "She taught me to be a self-motivated person,"
Williams said. "She's ambitious, and it's reflected in me." Workshop schedule March 25 and April 22 1022 (817) 272-2581 Fee required |
