This month, we are honored to feature yet another dedicated alumni volunteer, Jennifer Spears. Jen graduated from UCCS in 2015 with a degree in Criminal Justice, and she decided to come back shortly after that to obtain her dual master's degrees in criminal justice and public administration in 2017. With the professional and academic experience that she has gained throughout the years, she always hopes to nurture UCCS students, even from a distance. Hence, Jen chose to volunteer for the scholarship review opportunity and has been able to help so many students to achieve their dreams from her Massachusetts home.
Jen shared that being able to help students, even with just behind-the-scenes work had been a rewarding journey for her. She feels the honor of knowing each student's story through their essays, hearing how passionate they are about their dreams of being in the film industry or pursuing a STEM profession. Jen is often impressed by how much our students can deliver just through their beautiful words. She believes that for a student to be qualified for a scholarship, it depends on various factors such as academic background, professional experience, their involvement with community, etc. However, their essays are where she could connect with them on a deeper level.
Additionally, Jen finds that reviewing scholarships has improved her detail-oriented skill, which extends beyond her volunteer role into her professional life. It is essential for Jen that each scholarship application is carefully analyzed and considered for the best judgement. Furthermore, this process has reinforced her ability to remain unbiased, focusing solely on the content rather than external factors. For example, whenever she acknowledges that some stories resonate with her on a personal level, especially when students share experiences similar to her own, while others describe circumstances she has never faced, she remains objective and evaluate each applicant fairly.
Jen's dedication to the scholarship review process reflects her unwavering commitment to supporting UCCS students, even from miles away. Through her work, Jen continues to embody the spirit of giving back, proving that even the smallest contributions can make a lasting impact on a student's future. Our UCCS community is incredibly grateful for alumni like Jen, who continue to support and inspire the next generation even long after their time on campus.
