How I have grown and what I have learned

     So far I have learned quit a few new things since I came to college.  For instance I now know that managing money is a huge factor.  I learned that I can no longer blow my money on random things but instead save it for only mandatory things.  I also know that when trying to live with someone you didn't know before college, adapting and making sacrafices is a huge factor in making it work.  One final thing is that I now realize that staying focused on what is important and not getting caught up in "the college life" will make a huge difference on how successful one will become.
     I feel that I have grown up about twenty years since coming to college.  Now that I am in charge of what I do and all the things I need to pay for I can finally see the stress one may incounter when having to juggle school, work,bills, and friend time.  I think that because of these things I have grown stronger as well.  I can see how many things I am actually capable of doing.  Knowing that I have gotten this far already shows that if I just keep working hard I CAN reach my goals.
     My experience so far has been a good one.  I have gained many things such as friends, knowledge, and courage.  I realize that college was a good choice for me and after changing my major I feel that I am on the right track to my life long goals.  I feel like, thanks to ISU, I have grown as a person and have learned many life lessons already.  I can not wait to see how much more I learn and grow after graduating in 3.5 years.

What the Hixson means to me

     When I recieved the Hixson I was overjoyed.  I couldn't believe that I was the one person chosen from my county.  It meant that I would actually have a chance of affording Iowa State as college.  It meant that I could actually go to a great college and start building a better future for myself.  Since I am the only one paying for my college, having this big of a scholarship meant a great deal to me.  It was a great relief to find out that half of my tuition was covered.  Not only for my first year but all four years!
     Now that I have recieved the Hixson I have gotten to experience Iowa State at its fullest.  Yes I still work, but now I know I have a little more support to back me up, this was a great relief.  I also get to go to the Hixson classes that give a little more information that will help me in college.  I like this because I didn't have help from parents to figure out college so this class is a real guidence for me in a way.  I also like that because of this scholarship I have met many new people and friends.  This scholarship also encourages me to do my best in my classes because I know now that in order to keep this scholarship and to make the Hixson people look good I must achieve my best. 
     I am so lucky to have gotten this scholarship because I now have the chance to create my future and have no excuses why I can't succeed regardless of what people have told me.  I feel grateful for all the support and friendships it has given me.  Basically if I had not gotten this scholarship I would not be at Iowa State right now typing this blog.  So I am glad that I was chosen for this scholarship and plan to stay focused in college and do great in my classes to show how thankful I am.