Impact Spotlight on Women for OSU scholars
Tuesday, September 5, 2023
Media Contact: Mack Burke | Associate Director of Media Relations | 405-744-5540 | editor@okstate.edu
The Women for OSU Endowed Scholarship is a prestigious award that recognizes academic, philanthropic and volunteer activities among Oklahoma State University's students. Women for OSU awards annual scholarships to students who are passionate about making a positive impact in the world around them.
Limayre Mendoza, Graduate
Hometown: Oklahoma City
Major: Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
How have scholarships impacted your time in college?
I am the proud daughter of Guatemalan immigrants. My parents’ highest level of education was grade school. I was the first in my family to complete high school, obtain a bachelor’s degree and will become the first physician. However, this journey has been only possible due to grants and scholarships that I have received. Education is an investment that oftentimes is not feasible for families like mine, but donors have ensured that high-potential students can focus on their academic aspirations without the financial burden. I am grateful for the financial support that I have received throughout the years.
How is your Women for OSU scholarship going to help you reach your career goals/dream job?
I am entering my fourth and final year of medical school. Some would argue that this year is not only mentally challenging, but also financially challenging. Applying for medical residency is an expensive process that costs thousands of dollars with the hopes of matching your top specialty and program. The scholarship that I have received will allow me to apply to residency programs broadly without worrying about the financial burden. Further, less than 10% of physicians in the U.S. are of Hispanic/Spanish-speaking backgrounds. Financial support like this ensures that I can finish medical school and serve underserved communities.
Sarah Easterly, Senior
Hometown: Enid, Oklahoma
Major: Political Science
Why did you choose OSU?
In high school, I attended a couple of leadership conferences hosted by the President’s Leadership Council at Oklahoma State University. The students really showed that they cared about OSU, and I saw that OSU really cared about these students. Through these leadership conferences, I got a glimpse of what the Cowboy family looks like, and I wanted to be a part of that family. The atmosphere on campus was very calm and welcoming, which made me feel that OSU was where I needed to be for the next four years of my life.
What does receiving a Women for OSU scholarship mean to you?
Receiving a Women for OSU scholarship means that these women believe in me and my future philanthropic efforts. My scholarship is also allowing me to start a new chapter, which will be attending law school. I am blessed that Women for OSU is playing a huge part in the process of reaching my future goals. This scholarship will also allow me to reach my future volunteer efforts of being a Court Appointed Special Advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect.
What would you say to the donors who made your scholarship possible, if given the chance?
Because of you, I am able to start my dream of becoming a family law attorney. Not only are you helping me, but you are helping my family. My younger sister is attending OSU and this scholarship is helping lessen the financial burden on my family. I am forever grateful and blessed for your generosity, and I will pay it forward by making it a goal to give to others.
Coralee Castle, Junior
Hometown: Wayne, Oklahoma
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
How have scholarships impacted your time in college?
Scholarships are the reason I get to do what I do. When I decided to attend OSU, I gave up the opportunity to get a full athletic scholarship. By God's grace, I have had the honor to receive several scholarships at OSU that have made it possible for me to continue my education and also compete for the OSU rodeo team. Scholarships have allowed me to concentrate on my studies and roping rather than my financial status. The people and organizations that make these scholarships happen are making my education possible.
What does receiving a Women for OSU scholarship mean to you?
The Women for OSU scholarship means the world to me because of what the organization embodies. I am truly honored to have been chosen. To me, receiving the scholarship also brings responsibility and accountability. It also means I have a community that I belong to.
How is your Women for OSU scholarship going to help you reach your career goals/dream job?
The Women for OSU scholarship helps me accomplish my goals in two ways. First, it helps me save money so that I am able to attend medical school in the future with the plans of becoming a surgeon. Second, it has helped me build up confidence. I am able to see all these amazing women at OSU that have strived for and achieved big things. The scholarship also provides peers and mentors that I can look up to and remind me that dreams are possible.
Story by: OSU Foundation | STATE Magazine