.[이스턴일리노이대학교 장학금] STUDENT STORY AUSTIN MEJDRICH_Eastern Illinois University
For Austin Mejdrich, taking part in public speaking competitions via the EIU Forensics Team has been a cornerstone of his college experience. Without your generosity, though, he says being an Eastern student -- and therefore being a part of that team -- might not have been possible.
“I rely on scholarships and student loans to fund my education at EIU,” said Mejdrich, a political science major who grew up right here in Charleston. “The Kenneth E. Coffey Jr. Scholarship will help ease this burden and for that, I am greatly appreciative.
“The Forensics Team travels around the country competing against other universities. I greatly love this activity, and the (Coffey scholarship) allows me to continue competing in an activity that is near and dear to my heart.”
Mejdrich, an Honors College student who’s also active in EIU Pride and as an alternate resident assistant, says he hopes to one day work for an organization or for the government in a capacity that positively impacts the lives of others.
“Many organizations, such as Amnesty International, are dedicated to this fight,” said Mejdrich. “And working for an organization like them would be a dream come true. I could work first-hand on fighting for others around the world so they can enjoy the same freedoms and opportunities we are so lucky to enjoy.”
If that’s what life has in store for Mejdrich, he’ll undoubtedly be proud to say it all began at Eastern Illinois University.
“EIU offers so many great opportunities for not only education but also for building real-life experiences,” said Mejdrich. “EIU also opens doors for students who come from all over the nation so they may truly reap the benefits of the great education it provides.
“Unfortunately, it is often a huge struggle for college students to afford higher education and to take part in the great opportunities at institutions like EIU. The support of alumni, friends, and other generous donors allows students like myself to enjoy fully the great education and experiences EIU offers, and I for one could not be more thankful.
“Your support is so important, and it is most definitely not forgotten. Thank you for your continued generosity.”
