The Community Foundation for Crawford County is pleased to introduce Carley Zender, a 2026 recipient of one of the nine Glen and Alice Beers Scholarship awards.
Carley, the daughter of Monica Zender and Cory Zender, is a 2025 graduate of Colonel Crawford High School. She is attending University of Findlay and studying for her Doctorate of Pharmacy.
What is your favorite aspect of college life and why?
"My favorite aspect is the people and community that you find when you are in college. I met so many great people in my first year of college that have taught me so many different things, and I was able to find a great community that I enjoy. I just had to put myself out there and meet new people."
What new interests or courses of study have you discovered at college?
"I found a new interest in pickleball and working out at college. With classes and studying, I spent a lot of time sitting, and as a high school athlete, I was not used to it. I was able to find new outlets to have fun and move around with friends."
In what way has the college experience changed/improved you?
"College has really helped me come out of my shell even more and not be afraid to try and do new things. There are a lot of opportunities in college, and, a lot of the time, you are not going to know what is going to happen. I used to be scared of things like that, but college has helped me learn that you can have fun in many different situations."
What advice would you give an incoming college freshman?
"I would tell a college freshman that it is okay to be nervous, but do not let that stop you from going to try new things. Everyone coming in is most likely feeling the same as you."
What is one item on your bucket list and why?
"One thing on my bucket list is to go see wild horses on a beach. This is on my bucket list because I am a big horse person and have my own at home. I have always wanted to go watch how wild horses interact and live."
Congratulations and good luck in the future, Carley!
To learn more about scholarships offered through the Foundation, visit www.cfcrawford.org/scholarships
