Scholarship Recipients

I intend to study international business and human resource management abroad at Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan during the spring semester of 2027. As of now, I have already taken the initiative and enrolled in Japanese language courses here at the University of Tennessee. In just the first few months of my studies, I have already been able to memorize two of the three Japanese alphabets which are Hiragana and Katakana. The international business major requires that all students take a dual major in any other business subject and also spend an entire semester abroad. I plan on taking part in the transfer program offered at Waseda University, located near the center of Tokyo.

I was born and raised in Harlan County Kentucky, commonly known as Bloody Harlan because of the violence that occurred there during the previous century. As of today, Harlan County is ranked as one of the poorest and most disadvantaged counties in the United States. Regardless of these circumstances, I managed to climb to the top of my high school class and I graduated valedictorian of the Harlan County High School Class of 2025. I also retained a 4.0 GPA thorough the duration of my high school career. The student body elected me to serve as president of the Harlan County High School National Honors Society, Beta Club, and Spanish Honors Society. I have also collected enough dual enrollment credit hours to graduate college an entire year early.

As of now, I am adjusting extremely well to my first year in a college environment here at the University of Tennessee and I have chosen to challenge myself by studying for a dual-major in international business and human resource management with a collateral in Japanese, all while still on track to graduate a year early. As a first generation college student, I will be the first in my immediate family to graduate with a bachelor's degree. I am also active in the Appalachian Studies Club here at UT and I hope that I can continue to make meaningful connections as I study.

The United States government has classified me as an independent student because of my current living circumstances. I do not live with my mother or father. Instead, I have lived with my maternal grandparents for the majority of my life. I also have a very close connection with my aunt that graduated from the Appalachian College of Law in 2005. I plan on applying to law school here at UT after graduating with my bachelor's degree. My ultimate goal in life is to become a state appointed prosecutor in the Knoxville area.

At some later point, I would love to enter politics because I've got an ambition to help those in need to the best of my ability. Being considered for any scholarship to help me with my financial burden would be a blessing and an honor. I am truly thankful that I have had the opportunity to become a Tennessee Volunteer.

I grew up in a family of eight. We never had much growing up, but my parents did their best to provide for us in their own way. Today, I am supporting myself through college after losing my family's support because I am a transgender man. While navigating this period of independence has been challenging, it has strengthened my determination to build a life centered on creativity, education, and community.

I am pursuing a bachelor's degree in fine arts with the goal of becoming a K–12 art teacher. I never expected to come this far, but I am determined to create the best future I can for myself. I have always loved creating—whether through drawing, painting, sculpting, or writing. Art has been my outlet for expressing emotions, and I hope to use it to help others connect with themselves and each other.

I love seeing people from different backgrounds and life experiences connect through art. Those moments inspire me and reinforce my desire to cultivate creativity in the next generation, just as my own teachers did for me. My high school art teacher, in particular, has been a tremendous source of encouragement. He helped me through difficult moments, inspired me to find my own artistic voice, and showed me the lasting impact that a caring educator can have. I hope to one day provide that same support for my own students.

Since beginning my studies at the University of Tennessee, I have been active in two student organizations: Gaymerz, an LGBT+ gaming club, and VolOut, the university's official LGBT+ organization. Through these groups, I have built meaningful friendships, welcomed incoming students, and helped them navigate campus life. I have also tutored fellow students in Portuguese and several art studio courses. Whether through art, mentorship, or community involvement, I enjoy helping others grow and succeed.

Since leaving my family home, I have relied on the generosity of friends who have opened their homes to me when I am not on campus. Their kindness has shown me the power of community and reminds me that no one succeeds alone. Receiving the Benjamin Gregory Scholarship will allow me to continue my education at the University of Tennessee and move closer to my goal of becoming an art educator. I hope to one day pay that kindness forward by encouraging and supporting the next generation, just as so many people have supported me.

My academic journey reflects an interdisciplinary commitment to understanding global systems, cultural dynamics, and the built environment. My studies have been shaped by a deep intellectual curiosity about international relations, urban development, and architectural history. Through political science and international affairs, I analyze the intricate web of global governance, trade agreements, and diplomatic relationships. Simultaneously, my background in design studies enriches my understanding of the spatial and aesthetic dimensions of cities, connecting historical preservation with contemporary sustainability.

My personal background has deeply influenced my academic pursuits. Growing up in a multilingual and multicultural environment fostered my passion for global connectivity and diplomacy. Language acquisition has been central to my academic and professional trajectory. Fluent in English and French, proficient in Spanish, and now pursuing fluency in Japanese, I engage with linguistic and cultural diversity as a means to broaden my global perspective. My studies in Japanese, including spending a semester abroad in Japan and mastering kanji, provide a gateway into East Asian geopolitics and urban policy, complementing my broader interest in applying international business and diplomacy to architectural fields. These linguistic skills, combined with my studies, are preparing me to navigate and contribute to an increasingly interconnected world.

My ultimate goal is to shape the future of urbanism and global development through a career at the intersection of international politics, business, and architecture. Sustainable urban design is no longer just an aesthetic pursuit but an urgent necessity, particularly in the face of rapid urbanization and environmental challenges. In the U.S., this means advocating for efficient public transportation, pedestrian-friendly cities, and policies that reduce car dependency. Internationally, I aim to engage in projects that preserve cultural heritage while fostering sustainable urban growth. My interest in non-Western architectural traditions, particularly Japanese urban design, informs my vision for integrating historic preservation and tradition with modern innovations.

Beyond academics, I have gained practical experience through my work in museum curation, visitor services, and collections management. My roles in these fields have strengthened my ability to analyze and preserve historical narratives while engaging with culturally diverse audiences. Additionally, my experiences in international sales, diplomacy, and local government have given me a strong foundation in cross-cultural communication and global policy analysis. I am also preparing for a summer program in London that will further immerse me in political science and urban policy.

The University of Tennessee has provided me with a foundation to explore the intersections of politics, business, and design, and I am eager to carry this knowledge forward into a career that bridges disciplines and fosters meaningful global change. My time here has reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary thinking, and with this scholarship, I hope to continue leveraging these experiences to contribute to a more sustainable and interconnected world."

I am a senior at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville’s Haslam College of Business, majoring in Supply Chain Management with a collateral in International Business. My academic journey has been both rewarding and challenging, and I take great pride in maintaining a cumulative GPA of 3.9. My dedication to academic excellence has been recognized through my designation as a Supply Chain Management Scholar of Distinction, my inclusion on the Fall 2024 University of Tennessee Dean’s List, and my membership in Phi Theta Kappa.

Before starting my studies at UTK, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design from Yanshan University in China. My early career experiences in product management and supply chain operations shaped my understanding of global business dynamics and fueled my passion for supply chain management. However, I aspired to enhance my expertise through formal education, which led me to pursue my second bachelor’s degree at Haslam College of Business.

My journey as a full-time student at Haslam College of Business has been both fulfilling and demanding. Enrolling in an average of 15 credit hours per semester while managing personal and financial responsibilities has required resilience and unwavering commitment. The transition from business ownership to full-time education was a significant adjustment, but my passion for learning and professional growth has kept me motivated. Balancing my studies with part-time work has been challenging, and financial constraints have occasionally posed obstacles to my academic progress. Therefore, receiving financial support through a scholarship would provide much-needed relief, allowing me to focus entirely on my education and professional development.

Looking ahead, I aspire to deepen my expertise in supply chain management by enrolling in a full-time MBA & Business Analytics dual-degree program after completing my undergraduate studies. This advanced degree will equip me with the analytical skills and strategic insights necessary to navigate the complexities of modern supply chains. My long-term goal is to contribute to global supply chain innovations, optimize logistics networks, and enhance business efficiencies on an international scale. With my industrial design engineering background and extensive supply chain operations experience, I aim to bridge the gap between product development and logistics, fostering more agile and resilient supply chains in a rapidly evolving marketplace.

Beyond academics and career aspirations, I have a profound passion for travel, food exploration, and scuba diving. Traveling around the world has broadened my perspective and deepened my appreciation for cultural diversity. As a certified scuba diver, I embrace adventure and the thrill of exploring the unknown, qualities that reflect my learning and problem-solving approach. These personal interests contribute to my well-rounded character, enriching my experiences and interactions with people from diverse backgrounds.

One of my defining traits is my ability to thrive under pressure. I have consistently found that the greater the challenge, the sharper my focus becomes. This mindset has allowed me to excel in both academic and professional settings, adapting quickly to new environments and overcoming obstacles with determination. Whether managing supply chain operations, navigating complex business decisions, or tackling rigorous coursework, I embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.

Receiving a scholarship would not only alleviate financial burdens but also reaffirm my belief in the value of education and hard work. It would empower me to continue striving for excellence, contributing meaningfully to the field of supply chain management and beyond. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to share my journey, and I sincerely appreciate the Scholarship Committee’s time and consideration.

My name is Max and I am currently a third year architecture student. I am applying for scholarships for the 2024-2025 school year. My passion for architecture lies in the diverse skill sets I am able to acquire during my studies.

As an architecture student, I am constantly challenged to expand my design skills in order to fit a multidisciplinary environment. I hope to continue to grow my knowledge throughout the world of architecture and design in the rest of my education, and in my professional career.

Architecture at UTK has been a great fit for me in helping to achieve these goals. I have been fortunate to study under exceptional professors who have given me a diverse set of perspectives. I have developed a specific interest in the intersection of architecture and the digital world, and digital fabrication and architectural visualization. These are all fast growing fields within architecture. These are skills that I believe will aid me in my professional career, and my current search for internship positions.

Financial support through scholarships would greatly aid me in furthering my education and pursuing these passions. Receiving scholarship money would also greatly help me in the upcoming semester, as I will be studying abroad in Tokyo, Japan. Studying abroad is a dream come true for me. I am greatly looking forward to learn about both Japanese culture, as well as expanding my skills into Japanese design philosophies. However, the financial burden of studying abroad is a formidable obstacle. Receiving scholarships would help to relieve the stress of budgeting for such a trip, so that I can focus my attention towards my studies.

With your support, I am confident that I can continue to push myself in my architectural education and expand my portfolio of skills. Thank you for considering my application.

Usually, I hate personal statements. Starting one is my worst nightmare, as I never know what to say about myself. Writing about all of my interests, goals, and aspirations used to be so difficult for me since I never knew what to say. This year, though, I believe I have finally started to enjoy personal statements. Going into my last year of college, I know my plans for the future and how to get there. I enjoy talking about myself and my goals, as selfish as that sounds, because I am proud of what I have done and where I plan on going, both personally and professionally. I am confident in my abilities and in what the University of Tennessee has provided for me socially, academically, and personally.

First, I am very thankful for the social groups that this school has provided me. I have found a safe space here and found my home away from home. Since joining Alpha Sigma Kappa - Women and Gender Minorities in Technical Studies, I have found a group of people who will be there for me no matter what. It is important to me to have a community on campus that is not only dedicated to assisting me in achieving my academic goals but also a welcoming space that is safe for me to express myself without boundaries. Growing up as a Queer woman in a small town in East Tennessee was not the easiest, but I have found my group of people here at UTK. This group of siblings has taught me many valuable lessons, given me many resources, and provided a hardworking group of people that I can always count on. Whether it is just a sibling having the same psychology class and being able to study together, or being able to talk out a tough situation, there is always someone there to help.

Though I have found a safe space here on campus, it has not always been that way. My family has never been the type to “come around” to the LGBTQ+ community. I have never told them about myself being a part of the community, but knowing their viewpoints on it, it probably will not end well. As this is my last year of school here at UTK, I plan on finally moving in with my significant other for my final few semesters. To do this, though, I must tell my parents about this part of my life and how important it is to me. This is the main reason why I am applying for these scholarships, since coming out to my parents may repeal my financial assistance provided by them. A common fact is that college in today’s world is not cheap, so paying for it by myself is not an option. I am very grateful to have their assistance now, though it is not a lot, but I am worried about the next few months when I do try to tell them about how much this part of my life means to me. Even if all else fails, I do have my chosen friends and family here on campus to support me, which I am very grateful for.

Not only have I found my social groups here on campus, but I have also developed a love for research. Last fall, I was given the opportunity to work in a research lab here on campus– the Infant Visual Cognition Lab under Dr. Shannon Ross-Sheehy. This lab has provided me with plentiful opportunities to learn research skills, further my knowledge of developmental psychology and working memory, and graced me with colleagues who will help support me in any future academic endeavors. Because of this, I have decided to further my education after achieving my Bachelor’s in psychology by attending graduate school. I am currently deciding between Counseling Psychology and School Psychology, as those are my two passions. I am looking forward to what graduate school brings me, and am excited to see what path I end up taking. I could not have decided on this without the experience of the IVC Lab, though, and I am so grateful for the opportunity and experiences it has provided me. Also, being able to say that you know how to use an eye-tracking device is incredibly cool!

The past three years have given me a multitude of experiences, friends, and goals. I went from not knowing a single thing about my future to having set plans for the next few years. I found my place on campus, gained new skills, and solidified the idea of who I am and what I want to be. I am very grateful for all things the University of Tennessee has taught me and am excited to see how my senior year will treat me.

I grew up in a very small town called Erwin in East Tennessee. While I grew up, I was surrounded by people who looked and spoke like me. There was next to no diversity in my town, so I didn't have the opportunity to experience other cultures. When I was old enough, I expanded my horizons through the internet. For the first time, I saw people from around the world talk about their lives and religions.

I realized how easy it is for people to isolate themselves in their own little bubble. It made me want to change my whole perspective and talk with all sorts of people. During my middle school history class, my teacher discussed some material about the samurai and their code, which they abide by. I couldn't help but stare at the detailed imagery of Japanese houses and shrines. I had to go home to find more of it on the web. It led me to see how different the Japanese culture is to that of my own.

It was exactly what I was looking for. In high school, I used to own a custodial brokerage account. While I used it rather infrequently, I began to spend a lot of time researching the economies around the world in order to make better financial decisions. Speaking specifically, I was interested in the Japanese economy. Aside from its statistic as one of the largest economies in the world, I was intrigued by how it got to where it then was.

At first glance, I noticed the astounding size of its electronics industry. Japan contributes a huge percentage of silicone chip exports to around the world. Then, I saw how hard the work environment is; the hours people work are absurd. I still wonder if these connections can contribute to Japan's productivity. I want to know what sets them apart from other countries, in that regard. And I think I may want to get involved in the industry, which is a part of the reason why I'm invested in the country. I decided to pick up Japanese as a hobby.

It started as a word here and there, and it later became 30 minutes of flash cards every other day. During the summers, I would learn vocabulary and grammar for up to the whole day if I wasn't busy. It became a goal for me, and I want to do something with it.

Someday, I want to reap what I have sown. My horizons were further broadened when I came to Knoxville. I had so much fun making friends with and talking to all the different people whom I could never have met in my hometown. At this point, I knew it was critical that I could find some way to incorporate my hobby into academia, and eventually, my career. I took me until my sophomore year to fully realize this, as in I changed my major to align with my goals. Through the scholarships which I am applying for, I intend to use Japanese to pursue a career which allows me to be more culturally diversified, and furthermore, happy.

I did what I was told in high school. Took some hard classes, did most of the work, usually paid attention, sometimes studied, got good grades. The works. Where I really lived, though, was outside of school. I drew. I played guitar, mandolin, and any other instrument I could get my hands on. (Accordion, anyone?) I hung out with friends. I ran cross country in the fall (where Alan, Brock, and Coach Patrick taught me the value of discipline, hard work, steady effort, and perseverance) and mowed lawns in the summer (where hot days, broken mowers, and lawn owners taught me the value of patience, high quality work, and customer relationships). Don’t get me wrong, high school had its benefits, and I made plenty of friends and memories. The work itself challenged me, but it wasn’t anything to write home about.

Then everything changed.

My first college assignment, given to me by James Rose in the Art + Architecture building, involved drawing a marigold. Had I missed something? Was I cheating the system somehow? This was my homework? This is what I’d been doing in my free time since I could hold a crayon! I found myself spending hours on assignments, working harder than I ever had in high school, yet now I churned through the work joyfully and eagerly. Professors were speaking my language. Assigned readings were a pleasure. My carefully crafted skill of BS-ing essays and assignments faded to the recesses of my mind, untouched and collecting dust. In its place I developed care, craft, and skill. I found my calling.

Since entering the architecture program at UT, my eyes have been opened to the fulfillment that lies waiting on the other side of honest, intentional work. I am so enthralled by design, and my privilege to get to do it, I often feel like rubbing my eyes and wondering if it’s all a dream. How can something so natural and life-giving count as a college education? Architecture school is ruthless at times, but it is certainly worth the trouble. I know I want to live the rest of my life as a designer, so I’m using my time and resources at UT to “fill the tank” (as Dean Jason Young puts it). I want to soak in as much knowledge about architecture and its definitions, conventions, histories, and inner workings as possible to be well-prepared to enter into the world and make an impact through design. I mean it.

What sets architecture apart from other artistic practices is its impact on and service to human life. Art reflects the human condition; architecture suggests a possible improvement. Though I cannot – and may never be able to – provide a specific area of architecture I would like to work in (Residential? Commercial? Skyscrapers? Strip malls?), I can confidently confirm that I aspire to improve people’s lives through design. Whether it be a chair, toaster, doorknob, house, office space, or public park, I am much more interested in humbly serving the user with careful, intentional, beautiful design than in flamboyant, fame-inducing masterworks. I have full confidence in UT’s world-class faculty and curriculum to help me reach that goal.

But here’s the deal: I need your help. UT’s incredible architecture program set up a study abroad opportunity in Tokyo this fall. What better place to study careful, intentional, beautiful design than Japan? Studying their design philosophies and architecture – both modern and ancient, time-conscious and timeless – would deeply benefit my own practice.

I already admire works by the likes of Shigeru Ban, Kayuzo Sejima, Che-Wei Wang, Toyo Ito, and Juniichiro Tanizaki, and I’m excited to discover new favorites. In a broader sense, visiting a new country and immersing in their culture, traditions, and way of life will widen my perspective on humanity and design’s role in the world we live in. The experience of spending time as a foreigner, I hear, is an invaluable one. But I can’t afford this trip on my own! Your generous support in the form of a scholarship would make this life-changing experience possible, and it would truly mean the world if you helped.

One last thing, and this one’s on the pragmatic side. Both my parents work for non-profits. I have three younger brothers, and three out of the four of us will be in college this fall. FAFSA recently updated their policy, which previously took multiple siblings into consideration for greater financial aid, to now treat each sibling individually. So, the need is there, but the support isn’t. On top of that, the trip is an expensive one regardless of financial status.

Your support is the only way I can make this happen. You are contributing to a kid’s future, pushing him towards becoming a man of culture, tact, sympathy, resilience, and humility. Thank you so much for your consideration and support. I mean it!

I am pursuing a Business Management degree with an International Business collateral. Since I was in highschool I have always wanted to be in business in Japan, and fluently speak the language. Before I came to UTK, I traveled to Japan for 3 months on my own accord in October 2019. Working 40 hour weeks at Target for a year while attending Community College, I finally saved enough money to pursue the program I wanted in Japan. I enrolled in a Japanese language school and received what would equate to in the States, one full year of Japanese language education in just 3 short months. It was a very intense class, yet going to Japan was without a doubt the best decision I have made in my life thus far. I say this to give insight on why I chose UTK, and what my goals and aspirations are both educationally and professionally.

Living in Chattanooga, TN, I had the option of going to UTC since it was close. I instead purposely chose UTK because unlike UTC, Japanese was offered here. I transferred to UTK in the Fall of 2020 and was placed in Advanced Japanese 1. I enjoyed it and now I am taking Advanced Japanese 2 this semester. During the Fall semester I started looking into Study Abroad programs in Japan. I found one at Waseda University that I was very excited and interested in attending. Unfortunately, as it is right now, the Waseda program has been shut down until 2022 and it looks unlikely that I will be unable to fulfill my dream abroad trip. I am told there is still a slight possibility that one of the students going to Waseda this Spring may decide to cancel which would leave an opening in the Fall but that remains to be seen. My professional and educational goals seem to both align with my desire to go to Japan where I would like to live and work. I thought Waseda would be a tremendous chance and opportunity to pursue these goals and make networking connections that could potentially open up job opportunities for me in the future. If Waseda does not work out, I will likely not be able to go back to Japan until I graduate. However, if by the grace of God somehow an opportunity opens up for me to attend Waseda, I will need money to afford it.

As of last year my parents have been divorced. Due to this divorce my Dad, whom I live with, had to give a large portion of his money away to my Mom. Unfortunately he never saved any money for my college fund and being that he is already retired he has little money coming in besides Social Security. This means according to the FAFSA, the EFC is $20,000 however, that is only because he took out a large sum of money to pay my mom from the divorce. That was not income. But because the FAFSA and EFC are created, the government looks at this and thinks he is easily able to pay for my tuition which is not the case. Because of this, I now qualify only for a low amount of subsidized student loans, which I will use. Since this next year will hopefully be my last year, this means that I will not have the chance to file another FAFSA. I am not sure what the amount of loans I will be eligible for this upcoming year are, but they will likely be low.