UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A few years ago, Samira Gendy was homeless, and attending college was not part of her plan. For Dan Bershefsky, raising three children and working full-time presented challenges in achieving his goal of earning a college degree.
The two Penn State World Campus students received scholarships from external organizations to aid in their academic journeys. They are grateful for the funding that made their college educations more accessible and encourage all students to explore opportunities.
Gendy selected for State College group grant
Penn State World Campus student Samira Gendy is thankful for those who invested in her during her lowest moments and wants to use her education to do the same for others. She is a 2022 recipient of a $7,000 scholarship, the Simmons-Jansma Project Renew Grant, from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) State College, Pennsylvania, chapter.
Gendy’s mother died of cancer when she was 17, and the emotional and financial stress led Gendy to drop out of high school. She had also started using drugs and became homeless.
“It took me being homeless to realize that this is not the lifestyle I want to have,” she said.
After receiving help from Centre Safe, an area resource center, Gendy earned her high school diploma and wanted to continue her education online through Penn State World Campus. She enrolled in 2019 and is expected to graduate in December 2024.
“I get to choose this responsibility, which is really gratifying,” she said.
Gendy is a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies student. She hopes to use her degree to help and show kindness to others.
“It’s always needed and I’m not the only one who matters,” she said. “I’ve received so much help from random strangers. I know what it feels like to be at an all-time low. I get to invest my time and my work in others so that someday they can go on and have a better life.”
Gendy builds a financial plan each semester to keep track of any loans, grants, and scholarships she receives and determines how much she needs to work to ensure her tuition and expenses are met.
“It was a big weight off my shoulders knowing that I’m not going to have to worry as much about paying my bills,” she said. “Consequences come with not being able to fulfill that kind of obligation, so it is a really big deal to have enough money.”
Gendy is extremely grateful for those who support scholarship opportunities for students like her.
“I don’t really have words to express how crucial it is for me to get help like this,” she said. “There would be no way for me to go on to get a higher education without someone caring to invest their money in a scholarship or grant for people like me.”