We are pleased to announce our 2018 scholarship and financial aid winners, made possible through the generosity of our individual, governmental and corporate donors! Get to know some these inspiring and motivated students below. For the complete list of scholarship recipients, please click here.
Alizakhov Ivan – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Alan Hershey Fund Scholarship.
“Being in Japan and observing the culture, the perspective on world views from people that are not from the most powerful country in the world, will all impact me profoundly and I will forever cherish this learning experience. I read about Alan Hershey’s experience in Japan and it further proves to me that a opportunity like this is once in a lifetime. Thank you donors for giving me the financial aid to participate in this amazing program.”
Courtney Ruddy – 2018 Italy Summer Program, winner of the Scheels Scholarship and financial aid.
“I am so incredibly grateful to YFU for the opportunity to represent my
community and make lasting memories in Italy. None of this adventure would even be possible otherwise. After my parents passed away I moved in with my retired grandparents, and would have never imagined myself to be a world traveler. I would like to encourage everyone to donate to YFU so more kids that are in financial positions similar to mine can receive life changing opportunities. Thank you again to YFU and Scheels for helping me achieve a dream I’ve had for years.”
Justin Scott, Jr. – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Japan-America Friendship Scholarship and financial aid. “I am grateful for the opportunities this award will provide me with while I am in Japan and within the United States. These opportunities include being able to understand the family structure, educational system, and importance of inclusion and diversity. I believe that this is a once in a lifetime opportunity that very few people receive within my community. Receiving this scholarship and financial aid will allow me to share my experiences with others within my community. I was excited about this opportunity, because of the experience and being exposed to the Japanese culture.”
Zachary Hauptman – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
Through studying abroad, Zachary hopes to learn more about different people, their language and culture. While in Japan, he is looking forward to trying new foods, climbing Mt. Fuji and taking the bullet train.
Antoninia “Nina” Mintcheva – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
Nina considers herself open-minded but feels she has been somewhat sheltered from the rest of the world. She hopes to gain knowledge, more humbleness, and empathy towards a contrasting group of people through this study abroad program.
Gianna Morelli – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
Gianna is excited to study abroad because it will give her an opportunity to explore another language, have a better worldview, and give her more patience and compassion as she develops new relationships. While in Japan she hopes to sing karaoke, explore different foods, and take in arts and cultural museums.
Isabell “Bella” Osgood – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
Traveling the world is an activity Bella likes to do with her family; it has brought them closer together and helped them meet a lot of interesting people. Japan is one country Bella has not spent much time in (other than airport layovers), so she is looking forward to learning about daily life, the history, and the language.
Eve Paylago – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
Eve has never traveled outside the United States before, so experiencing a foreign culture first-hand will be an exciting experience. While in Japan, she hopes to explore her love of Japanese art, anime and manga.
Kalani’anela “Lani” Young – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Sony Scholarship.
After high school, Lani has a very clear goal: she wants to obtain a Master’s Degree, become a forensic psychologist and work for the Federal Bureau of Investigation in the Behavioral Analysis Unit. Through her study abroad experience, Lani hopes to gain a better understanding of Japan and further develop her language skills.
Calvin Engstrom – 2018 Sweden Fall Semester Program, winner of the Holcomb & Farnell Foreign Study Scholarship.
“What you do with this scholarship is so much more than help send kids like me as ambassadors for exchange and understanding. You’re giving us the opportunity to learn lessons we never thought we could, and you’re helping us become better people. I’m overwhelmed by the generosity that this scholarship represents, and all the good that it can foster in this world.
Marley Gamberoni (far left) – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Mitsubishi Electric Scholarship.
An avid gymnast, she practices 4 days a week for 3 hours and has done so since the age of four. If possible, she would like to continue her training while in Japan. Marley also looks forward to meeting new friends and her host family in Japan, and getting out of her comfort zone.
Lindsey Washiashi – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Epson America Scholarship.
As a 5th generation Japanese American, Lindsey hopes to gain a better understanding of the Japanese culture and her own identity. She also believes that her understanding and empathy for others will grow as a result of this experience.
Tadeo “Tad” Rivera – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Mitsubishi Electric Scholarship.
Tad’s motivation for studying abroad is to learn about other cultures and understand the world we live in better. Experiencing the new foods in Japan is one thing he is looking forward to the most.
Sophia Miller – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Epson America Scholarship.
Sophia’s motivation for studying abroad is to grow as a person, meet new people, and gain new experiences. This will be her first time traveling overseas by herself and she hopes to become more independent and improve her language skills.
Angelina Sun – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the Mitsubishi Electric Scholarship.
Angelina hopes her time in Japan will open her mind more, teach her more about the world and expand her knowledge of Japan.
Jacob Major – 2018 Japan Summer Program, winner of the FCCLA/Kikkoman Scholarship.
Intercultural exchange appeals to Jacob because it is a perfect way for him to broaden his horizons regarding different cultures. The idea of being a part of a culture completely different than his own is awe-inspiring because, despite the internet, he cannot get a real understanding of another culture without being there in person.