Cindle Fontan (Education and Human Sciences)

My desire to help others by becoming a Speech-Language Pathologist is directly related to the help that I have received as a first generation college student. I am here at MUW as a freshman this year because generous alumni like you have made gifts, both large and small, to provide a scholarship that ensures that I will have the benefit of a college education.

I decided to enter the Division of Education and Human Sciences at The W because I wanted to help people have a better life. I am excited that my degree will allow me to work with toddlers who are struggling to grasp the beginnings of language, as well as victims of stroke who are fighting to reclaim their command of language.

I am also thankful that my MUW degree will create opportunities for me that my single mother did not have, but always wanted for her children. A college education is a dream that will not only fulfill my own private desire to be a successful adult, professional, and citizen; but will also fulfill the dreams of my mother and grandmother, who hoped that I might have a better life and provide a better life for my children than they could for theirs.

When I attended Scholars’ Day last year, I never imagined that dreams could come true and I would receive a scholarship. Today, with my first semester behind me, I continue to feel proud and grateful everyday to be a college freshman and member of the Honors Learning Community at Mississippi University for Women. Since I was awarded my scholarship on December 23, 2004, I have grown ever more introspective about its impact on my life.

For me, college so far has been mixed with the amazement of so many possibilities along with the realities of becoming a successful adult. Dreams got me to MUW, but hard work at my job as an admissions clerk at the local hospital to pay the bills and save for my future has constantly reminded me to be grateful for my scholarship.

Sincerely,

Cindle Fontan
Class of 2008