The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Tara Hensley, a 2024 recipient of one of the 19 Doug and Renee Leuthold Scholarship awards, one of the two Dr. Joseph and Susan Shadeed Scholarship awards, and one of the 20 Margaret and Donald Wenner, MD Scholarship awards.
Tara, the daughter of Terry Hensley and Tami Hensley, is a 2014 graduate of Crestline High School. She is in her first year of a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing at Ohio University.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"The diversity of all of my classmates is my favorite part of college. College allows anyone at any age to follow their dreams and get an education. That being said, there are students in all different aspects of their life. Everyone is facing different challenges that we can all learn from, and it's cool to see how someone's story can impact their nursing career."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"I have discovered an interest in psychology and learning how the mind works as well as behaviors. With the rise in mental health in our community, it's important to understand the symptoms, treatment, and cause of the mental illness in order to care and treat the patient."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"The college experience has put me in the position to improve my confidence, communication, and self-esteem. Even though the college experience is challenging, it has allowed me to step outside of my comfort zone and make connections with classmates, professors, and future employers."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"My advice to incoming freshman would be to figure out how you learn best in order to effectively study and prioritize tasks. If you are a visual learner, then you know you need to study using PowerPoints, visual aids, and flashcards. If you are a hands-on learner then you know you need to prioritize being in the skill labs. Everyone learns differently, so find people who learn the same ways you do and study together."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to go on a Mediterranean cruise to Greece, Spain, and Italy to experience the beauty and culture."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Tara!
To learn more about the scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
