Last night, my panel finished their weeklong deliberation concerning the applicants for the scholarship. Even though it was clear that all were deserving of the award, there was one person who stood out as the clear choice: Caleb Dron.
They were deeply impressed by his ability to clearly articulate his struggles in seeking an education and the various ways he sought to overcome these barriers. As well they noted that he clearly was willing to engage in honest self-reflection regarding his strengths and weaknesses. The fact that he had tried various avenues to achieve success and not been daunted by short-term failures suggested to them that he was the one who would be most likely to overcome any future obstacles. The last quality that they recognized in him was the fact that he is trying to achieve his future goals by living them in the present. He is already taking measured steps towards his aspirations. They saw in him a distinctive self-reliance and a willingness to perceive education as something that is larger and more encompassing than just what happens within the walls of a formal school.
I am sincerely honored to be running for him tomorrow and hope to be able to live up to my promises. Caleb is an outstanding choice and a landmark person to represent the inaugural year for the scholarship.
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