September 17, 2015 | SharkAdmin [image 1]Creating opportunities for success is the heart of Northwest Vista College’s mission statement. However we know that one of the prime ways we can help our students is through scholarships. The Employee Giving Campaign kicks off on Monday, Sept. 21, and we are hoping to surpass our employee participation rate of 38 percent last year. Please take the time to learn about the various types of NVC scholarships and other funds to contribute to in order to help our students and other causes. In the next few weeks, we will feature some of the students in which scholarships have made a difference in their lives and more importantly their educational journey. Aaron BallesNVC Nursing major “All my life, I’ve been searching for chances at success. I am honored to accept this scholarship and thank you for presenting an opportunity that is truly a miracle. Thank you for giving the underdog a shot.” Raised around poverty in the Philippines, Aaron says he was taught the value of education at an early age. At least half of the kids he played with as a child didn’t finish elementary school because they had to drop out and work to help provide for their families. When his family was given the chance to work in the U.S., they saw this as an opportunity for a better life. He credits his parents for teaching him to see the hardships in his life as special moments to reach for the best that he can become. [image 2]Once he receives his associate’s degree at NVC, Aaron plans to transfer to the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio School of Nursing. After completing his bachelor’s degree in nursing, he anticipates working as a nurse, then enrolling in UTHSCSA’s Physician Associate School for training as a surgical physician associate. This scholarship, he says, enables him to enroll at NVC full time and focus more on his studies rather than having to divide his time between work and college. “I’m grateful someone was generous enough to give me a chance,” said Aaron Balles, who received a Semmes Success Scholarship for Fall 2015. If you would like to help students such as Aaron, please consider a gift or pledge supporting NVC scholarships through this year’s NVC Cares. . . I Care Campaign. Any sized donation given during the campaign is important to our success. You may also support NVC programs, District-wide scholarships and programs, United Way agencies in our community and arts and cultural organizations through The ArtsFund. Lastly, don’t forget the offer from Dr. Richard Drum to match dollar for dollar donations to the Jane Moser Drum Encouragement Fund (NVC Faculty/Staff Innovation Grants). Next week: Karla’s story Instructions on how to give: Log on to: https://donor.united-e-way.org/ Campaign Code: Alamo Colleges User Name: Your employee email without “@alamo.edu)” Password: GIVEXXXX (last 4 digits of Banner ID – If Banner ID is (example900078681, Password: GIVE8681) Paper pledge forms are available in Manzanillo Hall, 104G.
