Manchester first-generation scholarship winner hopes to share joy of music
'Everyone is so friendly here, and they all want you to succeed.'
Manchester University’s 2018 Realizing the Dream recipient is Kayla Carver, a sophomore music education major from Fort Wayne, Ind.
The scholarship is provided for 30 first-generation college students each year from Indiana’s private, nonprofit colleges and universities by the Independent Colleges of Indiana. It is funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. Students selected for the award have realized the dream of being the first in their families to go to college. They were chosen by their school for outstanding achievement in their freshman year.
“In the future, I wish to become an instrumental director within a school community. I grew up surrounded by music, and it influenced me to find my potential inspiration,” Carver said. "I hope to influence the upcoming generations to find hope in music the same way that I was able to, and I feel that Manchester has given me the basis to truly realize that dream.”
Carver was ranked 15th in her class at Northrop High School. At Manchester, she is involved in the Jazz Ensemble, Symphonic Band, A Cappella Choir and as historian; Chamber Singers, Pep Band and Campus Interfaith Board and the United Sexualities and Genders organization as secretary; and she is a member of the Student Senate. She also plays the Manchester Chime.
On campus, Carver works as a Phonathon caller for University Advancement and a Student Orientation Leader, serving as a mentor for first-year students. Her volunteer service includes the annual MU Walk Into My Future event to give elementary school students a taste of the university experience and volunteering at a local church to serve dinner to those who are less fortunate.
“By receiving this award, I will be able to continue my education here at Manchester. I don't have to worry as much about how I'll pay to attend, seeing as I am a first-generation college student living with retirees,” Carver said.
“Manchester has provided a helpful framework where I can connect to my professors and receive the help I need at all times,” she said. “Everyone is so friendly here, and they all want you to succeed.”
Each honored student received $2,500 to help with college costs, and each student’s selected “most influential” teacher received a $1,000 professional development grant. Carver selected Melissa Hirsch of Northrop.
Four out of every 10 students who enter Manchester are first-generation students, something made possible by financial aid given from the University combined with state and federal grants.
The Realizing the Dream awards banquet is the evening of Nov. 3 in the Clearwater Ballroom of the Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone Crossing.
About Manchester
Manchester University, with campuses in North Manchester and Fort Wayne, Ind., is a northeast Indiana leader in health science education. It offers more than 60 areas of academic study to nearly 1,600 students in undergraduate programs, a Master of Science in Pharmacogenomics, a Master of Athletic Training a four-year professional Doctor of Pharmacy and a four-year dual degree in pharmacy and pharmacogenomics. Learn more about the private, northern Indiana school at www.manchester.edu .
Press release prepared by student Jennifer Wagner for the Office of Strategic Communications.
October 2018