The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Amanda Poland, a 2026 recipient of one of the 20 Doug and Renee Leuthold Scholarship awards, one of the nine Glen and Alice Beers Scholarship awards, and one of the 20 Margaret and Donald Wenner, MD Scholarship awards.
Amanda, the daughter of Deborah Rex and Daniel Rex, is a 1995 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. She is attending Southern New Hampshire University and studying Forensic Accounting.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"One of my favorite aspects of college life is the flexibility that online learning provides. As a student at SNHU, I appreciate being able to balance school with work, family responsibilities, and other commitments while still continuing my education and working toward my long-term goals. The flexible online schedule allows me to complete coursework at times that fit my life, which has made earning my degree much more manageable and rewarding. I also value the leadership and networking opportunities available through organizations such as National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS). Being involved in leadership-focused opportunities has helped me build confidence, strengthen my communication and professional skills, and connect with other motivated students who share similar goals. These experiences have made my college journey more meaningful beyond just academics. Overall, college life has given me a strong sense of accomplishment. Balancing coursework, leadership involvement, work, and personal responsibilities has challenged me to grow both personally and professionally, and it has shown me how much I am capable of achieving."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"One new area of interest I have discovered in college is fraud examination. Through my coursework at Southern New Hampshire University, I have developed a strong interest in analyzing financial information, identifying fraud risks, and understanding how internal controls help organizations prevent unethical behavior. Learning about real-world fraud cases and investigative techniques has made the subject especially engaging and has strengthened my interest in pursuing a career in this field. I have also gained a greater interest in leadership, business strategy, and sustainability through courses focused on organizational decision-making and ethical business practices. These classes have helped me better understand how financial, operational, and social responsibilities work together to support successful organizations. Overall, college has introduced me to subjects and opportunities I may not have explored otherwise, and it has helped shape both my academic and career goals."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"My college experience has improved me both personally and professionally by helping me become more confident, disciplined, and goal-oriented. As a student at SNHU, balancing coursework with work, family responsibilities, and leadership involvement has strengthened my time-management, organization, and problem-solving skills. It has also shown me that I am capable of accomplishing more than I originally believed possible. Academically, college has expanded my knowledge in accounting, fraud examination, leadership, and business strategy while helping me develop stronger critical-thinking and communication skills. Learning how to analyze complex situations, conduct research, and apply ethical decision-making has helped prepare me for future professional opportunities. In addition, my involvement with the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS) has encouraged me to continue developing my leadership abilities and professional confidence. Overall, the college experience has helped me grow into a more motivated, knowledgeable, and resilient person while giving me a clearer vision for my future career and personal goals."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"My advice to an incoming college freshman would be to stay organized, manage your time carefully, and not be afraid to ask for help when needed. College can feel overwhelming at first, especially when balancing classes, work, family responsibilities, and personal life, but creating a schedule and staying consistent can make a huge difference. I would also encourage students to take advantage of opportunities outside the classroom. Getting involved in organizations such as the National Society of Leadership and Success (NSLS), participating in leadership activities, and connecting with classmates and instructors can help build confidence, communication skills, and professional relationships. Another important piece of advice is to stay focused on long-term goals, even during difficult moments. There will be challenges and stressful weeks, but persistence and determination are what lead to success. College is not just about earning a degree; it is also about personal growth, discovering new interests, and building skills that will help throughout life and future careers."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One item on my bucket list is to successfully become my own boss by using the skills and knowledge I have gained through my education and professional experience. My time at Southern New Hampshire University has helped me develop stronger skills in accounting, leadership, business strategy, and problem-solving, and I would like to eventually apply those skills to build something of my own. This goal is important to me because it represents independence, personal accomplishment, and the opportunity to create a career that reflects my values and goals. I also want to prove to myself that with hard work, persistence, and continuous learning, it is possible to turn experience and education into long-term success and professional growth."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Amanda!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
