The Spirit of Giving

2020 Scholarship Recipient Spotlight: Kristen Vaughn

Posted by Amy Vaughn on Thu, Sep 17, 2020

Vaughn, KristenThe Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Kristen Vaughn, a 2020 recipient of one of the eighteen Margaret and Donald Wenner, MD Scholarship awards.

Kristen, the daughter of Erik Vaughn and Elaine Whited, is a 2019 graduate of Bucyrus High School. She will be entering her second year of bachelor’s degree in biology/pre-medical studies at Miami University this fall.

What is your favorite aspect of college life?

“My favorite aspect of college life is the independence. I get to live my life how I want without criticism. I’m free to eat what I want and go anywhere I want to. It’s a sense of freedom that is liberating for a teenager.”

Would you say most of your learning comes from inside or outside of the classroom?

“Most of my learning comes from outside the classroom. There is not enough class time for the professor to go over every detail. Reading, studying, and practicing on my own or with classmates is how I learn my class material.”

What new interest or courses of study have you discovered at college?

“I have tried many new hobbies like yoga, kickboxing, and growing plants (which is one that I seem to be really bad at) as well as studying topics such as philosophy and designing metal jewelry. I continue to practice yoga, kickboxing, and jewelry making, and I will keep trying to grow plants properly. ”

In what ways has the college experience changed/improved you?

“I think going to college has made me more humble. Attending college, especially at Miami, helped me to realize that I’m not always going to be the best at everything. I will give forth my best effort in everything I do, but that doesn’t always mean I’ll do it perfectly, and that is okay.”

What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?

“Utilize every opportunity given to you. Go to office hours, go to study sessions, ask questions. The effort you put in directly affects your success.”

Congratulations and good luck in the future, Kristen!

To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships.

 

Tags: Crawford County, Scholarship, Community Foundation, philanthropy, Award, foundation, TCF4CC, Scholarship Recipient Spotlight, high school graduate, Education