Class of 2014
Reginald S. and Julia W. Fleet Foundation Scholar
Lake Oswego, Oregon
“It is difficult for me to describe how I feel about the University of Virginia, largely because instead of selecting U.Va., I think it chose me. Coming from Oregon, The University of Virginia was one of the last places I expected to go for college. It was completely on the other side of the country, in “The South,” and everyone in Oregon either hadn’t heard of it or confused it with West Virginia. When I was filling out applications, I had a faint image of U.Va. in my mind as a fairly typical, well-regarded, east-coast school. It seemed nice, but not really anything special.
“It took me about five hours of being on grounds to realize how completely wrong I was. The University is a school like no other, and the Jefferson Scholars program is an organization with no comparison.
“I’m not sure if it was the first time I sat on the steps of the Rotunda and saw the serene beauty of the Lawn at night, the classic brick buildings with the symbols of secret societies painted on the walls, the many traditions and idiosyncrasies I heard current students fondly describe, or the incredible level of adoration for their school that was evident in everyone I talked to, but to my surprise, I found myself falling in love with U.Va. What other school would have such a ridiculous obsession with [its founder], Thomas Jefferson? What other school would have such school spirit that becoming a University tour guide is so popular and sought-after that it’s easier to join the football team [than to make the guide service]? Virginia is an impressive school with timeless character. And then there’s that little matter of the Jefferson Scholarship…
“It’s still really hard to comprehend how awesome it is to not be paying for college. But the Jefferson Scholarship isn’t about that–nor is it really about the incredible opportunities for leadership, travel, and networking provided by the program. It’s about people. I am thoroughly convinced that the other Jefferson Scholars I get to hang out with are probably the most amazing people I’ll ever meet. Not only are they especially smart academically, but they are exceptional in just about everything else. It is incredible how often another Scholar casually mentions the non-profit they started, or the state championship they won. Yet, everyone in the program is consistently kind, humble, and friendly. The Jefferson Scholarship is literally a once-in-a lifetime opportunity to be around some unbelievably cool people.
“I know that there are a lot of uncertainties about going someplace so far away and unrecognized in Oregon, but I cannot stress enough how worthwhile it is. People in Virginia may pronounce ‘Oregon’ wrong, but U.Va. is an incredible place to study, and more importantly, is full of amazing individuals.”
