May is a month of celebrations, including Mother’s Day, Memorial Day and college graduations. May is also National Scholarship Month — a time to celebrate the investment that donors make in the lives of students who would not be able to pursue their dreams if it were not for the generosity of scholarship donors.
Lord Fairfax Community College (LFCC), like other colleges and universities, offers a scholarship program to help students who need financial assistance. Thanks to the generous support of donors, LFCC’s Financial Aid Office awarded 200 scholarships, totaling more than $235,700, through the LFCC Educational Foundation Scholarship Program for the 2007-08 academic year.
Behind those 200 scholarship awards are 200 students with stories of perseverance, hard work, determination and dreams. Following is a glimpse into the life of one scholarship recipient.
Frida Oporto is the mother of three girls, all under age 9. After moving to the United States 17 years ago, she enrolled in English as a Second Language classes at Northern Virginia Community College. She also obtained a job as a unit secretary at a dialysis center, a position she held until 1997, when she became a dialysis technician at the same center. After 13 years in the workforce, Frida decided to cut back at her job and focus her attention on her studies as a full-time student at LFCC. Enrolled in LFCC’s Nursing Program, Frida and her family are making sacrifices for her to follow her dream — a career in nursing where she can help others and make a difference!
Because of LFCC’s generous donors, students like Frida are able to complete their education. Unfortunately, there are other students like Frida who do not receive scholarships, because there are not enough scholarships for all who apply. Since the fall 2005 semester, nearly 500 current and potential LFCC students have applied for scholarships but not received them, because the LFCC Educational Foundation Inc. lacked the funds to award them. As the College grows, the need for more scholarships increases.
National Scholarship Month is a time to celebrate the many donors who are changing lives, but this month is also a call to action. LFCC is looking for individuals who want to partner with the College and make a difference in the community. By investing in LFCC, you can impact the community and inspire students.
Charles Day, LUTC
Chair, Lord Fairfax Community College Educational Foundation Board
Representative, Mutual of Omaha