Alexa van Bromel, the July winner of the Women’s Scholarship, is pursuing a degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders from the University of Central Florida. Her goal is to become a Speech Pathologist and help children who have communication disorders. It was clear from Alexa’s application that she has a passion for helping others, and will use her education towards this purpose.
The last few years have held many struggles for Alexa and her family. During high school, both her grandparents as well as Alexa’s mother were diagnosed with cancer. This placed significant financial burdens on the family, for whom Alexa’s father was the sole provider. Earlier this year, an automobile accident took Alexa’s father’s life, leaving Alexa’s family with significant financial and emotional burdens. However, none of these struggles have dampened Alexa’s passion for her education and desired career of Speech Pathology.
Alexa was initially inspired to pursue a career helping those with disabilities by her friendship with a boy with Down Syndrome. Having worked for 6 years in childcare and babysitting, and participating in Special Olympics three years in a row, she is now sure that helping children with disabilities is the correct path for her.
I plan to push myself in all aspect of my life especially in my career path. Speech Pathology has a promising future for not only me but my family and friends around me as well.
Finalists for this Scholarship Round:
- Darlene Hemerka of Penn State University Dickinson College of Law
- Hawa Kamara of New York City College of Technology
- Jennifer Riccobono of California State University Monterey Bay
- Rebecca Long of California State University Stanislaus
- Tina Bills of Art Institute of Virginia Beach