The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Kristen Vaughn, a 2022 recipient of one of the 10 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 is entering her fourth year of a bachelor's degree in Biology at Miami University this fall.
What is your favorite aspect of college life?
"My favorite aspect of college life is the autonomy and independence that comes with it. I get to decide the path of my own life by choosing my friends, my classes, my extracurriculars, and my future job. Even the little things like cooking my own food or decorating my room make me feel like my life is my own."
What new interest or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"While being at college, I have discovered many new interests. One is playing QuadBall (formerly Quidditch); I have always loved Harry Potter, but I never thought I would actually play a sport based on the franchise. I also have discovered an interest in comparative religion and decided to obtain a minor in the topic."
In what ways has the college experience changed/improved you?
"College has taught me to be interested in everything and not be ashamed of my interests and hobbies. I have learned a lot about myself, what true friendship looks like, and what is really important in life, and those are the things I am most thankful for."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"My advice for any incoming college freshman would be to go out of their comfort zone. It is terrifying being alone in a new city having no idea what you are doing, but if you try new things and put yourself in situations that will help you grow, you will have fun. The best way to make friends is to do things that you enjoy and be completely yourself; real friends will love you for exactly who you are, so do not try to be someone you're not just to impress people. You will find your people."
What is one item on your bucket list?
"One item on my bucket list is riding in a hot air balloon. I think hot air balloons are so cool in the way that they function, and the look really pretty in the sky. I want to be able to bask in the beauty of the earth from above it while floating through the sky in a giant balloon."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Kristen!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships.
