The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Kristen Vaughn, a 2021 recipient of one of the nine Glen and Alice Beers Scholarship awards and one of the 19 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 third year of a bachelor’s degree in biology/premedical studies at Miami University this fall.
What is your favorite aspect of college life?
“My favorite aspect of college life is meeting new people. College has allowed me to meet people with backgrounds, lifestyles, and cultures that are unlike my own. It is very refreshing to get a taste of what life is like outside of Bucyrus, Ohio. Meeting new people has helped me to expand my mindset and better understand other people as well as making friends who have similar goals and morals to those of my own. I never realized how badly I needed to get out of the small town I grew up in until I left, and I am incredibly thankful for the perspective I have gained from doing so.”
What new interest or courses of study have you discovered at college?
“One new interest I have discovered at college is playing quidditch. I have liked Harry Potter for as long as I can remember, but I had never played quidditch until I got to college. The sport is very different from any I have played before, so there was definitely a learning curve. However, I have had an amazing experience and have made some awesome friends through this sport. Another interest I have discovered is the study of comparative religion. My religion is important to me, and I am intrigued to learn more about other religions and the role that they play in people's lives.”
In what ways has the college experience changed/improved you?
“My college experience has changed me in many ways, and I think that it has all been for the better. I have gained a new perspective on life that has allowed me to better understand other people. College life has helped me to become a more efficient learner and leader as well as further developing my communication and time management skills. However, I believe that the greatest improvement has been to my character overall. College has helped me to become more hard-working, compassionate, and understanding, and I will value my college experience for the rest of my life!”
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
“One piece of advice I would give to an incoming freshman is to be willing to go outside of your comfort zone. Not everything is going to be easy, but college will be worth it. The most growth happens when you are uncomfortable, and discomfort is not always a bad thing.”
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Kristen!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships.
