The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Barbara Wirebaugh, a 2024 recipient of one of the 19 Doug and Renee Leuthold Scholarship awards.
Barbara, the daughter of Roger W. Scott, Sr. and Janice L. Scott, is a 1989 graduate of Bucyrus High School. She is attending a certificate program in Art Therapy at Southwestern College; Sante Fe, NM.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"College offers the opportunity to continue to grow in new directions and with new interests. As I have gained experience, I have learned what I like and what I don't like. There are things in which I excel and areas in which I really struggle. My perspective has moved from focusing on myself to seeking ways to impact the greater whole around me. College is like paint on the palette. You get to choose the color, you choose what you do with it, you create something spectacular. You become a creator."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"My Art Therapy program required me to spend some time in the studio prior to admission. The online drawing course I completed was able to accommodate my busy schedule, allowed me to develop a great portfolio, and offered the opportunity to reconnect with my creative side. It was like stumbling onto an old friend. I have been surprised at how my style has matured since beginning the architecture program at University of Cincinnati 35 years ago."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"My college career has opened up new perspectives and exposed me to novel experiences. At the University of Cincinnati, I found friends from other cultures and learned how to live in a big city. I faced hostile and competitive challenges with courage. I got to feel like I was drowning and then find resolutions to pull myself out. At Ohio State, I learned how to stay focused, be self-directive, and problem solve independently. I learned about heartache and loss. I learned that it's okay to shift gears mid-stream. The regional campuses, on the other hand, felt like home and set the stage for becoming a professor myself. In each season of life, college has been responsive to my needs and has allowed me to continue to grow in ways that encourage reaching toward the best version of me."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"It can be difficult to find balance between academics and social activities. Both are important and teach different life lessons. If you feel like you are going under, don't be afraid to talk to your professors or call your dad for some good advice. Whatever you do... don't quit."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"I have so many things on my Bucket List. Every time I check one off, I add another two or three. I'd like to become fluent in Spanish because I have friends who live in Spain. I'd like to be able to sing their city anthem to them when I see them again. I'd also like to learn how to play guitar. Both of my brothers learned how to play; one still performs in a band. Simple songs on the guitar bring people together around the campfire. Music touches people so deeply- I'd like to be able to do that."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Barbara!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
