Melissa Lipowski has completed her studies at Lewis University in Illinois this past December – completing a double-major in both Healthcare Leadership and Organizational Leadership.
Although she was the recipient of a Give Something Back scholarship, Melissa had been working while in school to earn money for her various expenses and also to gain valuable job experience in her chosen field.
She currently works at an orthopaedic company as a clinical and administrative assistant for a spine surgeon. She hopes to use her degree and experience to work her way up from there and take on a leadership role within a healthcare facility.
Being selected as a Give Something Back scholar changed the way Melissa looked at her own potential and scholastic abilities.
“Receiving the Give Something Back scholarship has changed my life in many ways. I believe that I would not be as far along in my schoolwork, nor have as much motivation if I was not given this chance.”
After she was selected for the scholarship, Melissa resolved to put forth her absolute best effort to succeed in her schoolwork. She put her studies before many things, even when it was difficult. And as a result, she has completed both of her degrees and feels immense pride in herself.
“I hope that one day I am able to ‘give back’ by being a mentor for other students. I hope to be able to make an impact on others as this program has done for me.”
For now, Melissa’s advice to other students in the Give Something Back program is both simple and profound: “Make sure that you are fully taking every advantage that you can with this amazing opportunity. To keep up on your schoolwork and get ahead when you can.
Giving it your all now will pay off in the end. Being able to look back at when you first started, to upcoming graduation is one of the best feelings you can have.”
—
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Melissa. We look forward to seeing your hard work impact many young lives with dreams just like your own!