Testimonial Statements

Hasan Al Dhahabi

Hello WHSF Board of Directors,

I had a long story. I had been in country for less than 5 years. I came with no English. I spoke only Arabic and Turkish. So, I had a very difficult time understanding in school; I did not know what is GPA, SAT, best Universities or scholarships. I was the only Arab/ Turkish student at my school so no one really explained it to me. I had a goal to learn English in less than a year and a half. I achieved my first goal, not that only I learned Spanish as well. Long story short, in my senior year I took my SAT and I received a very good score in it, and I had the 4th highest GPA in my graduate seniors. That gave me the opportunity to apply to a lot of scholarships inside and outside of my university.

I had a better chance of winning the scholarships since I have a good GPA, SAT, and being the first person in my family to go to college. Those factors play very good in some scholarships - in other words most scholarships look on the academic success then read the story of the student.

I have two big scholarships from TAMU: Century Scholar and Regents Scholar. I got them in the first semester of my freshman year. Based on my GPA, SAT, and being the first person in the family going to college.

Sorry for making it long. I want to thank you and all the Heritage Scholarship Foundation for giving me this opportunity and support me in my education journey. Also, I can come to meet you face to face after I come back from my exchange program. I will have the honor to explain everything to you and also thank you again.

With gratitude,

Hasan Al Dhahabi

Student: Texas A&M University

Major: Petroleum Engineering

Graduation: Class of 2021

Aaron Torres

8/10/2017

My name is Aaron Torres, I am a first-generation Hispanic majoring in chemistry, minoring in applied physics and seeking a certification from the Nuclear Power Institute. I am a Nuclear Regulatory Commission Scholar of the Nuclear Science and Health Physics concentration which has been recently added to my UHD curriculum. I am certified on Swedish nuclear spent fuel repository with geological considerations and long-term planning waste storage. I am peer mentor for the Scholars Academy, a research leader for the Texas Workforce Commission, and I have been a Supplemental Instruction Leader for Calculus I and General Physics I. I represent the Welch Foundation, Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Texas Workforce Commission, The Governor of Texas Greg Abbot, The Department of Education, Scholars Academy, University of Houston- Downtown with research at various regional, state, and national conferences. My goal is to get accepted into the Nuclear Engineering Graduate program at the Texas A&M institution.

I applied back in 2015 when I was transitioning from Sharpstown High School to University of Houston-Downtown. I am grateful for the award, it helped me establish a strong foundation for the 3 years I have been at UHD. Attached is a CV that demonstrates my progress. You can also find me in LinkedIn.

Thanks for the support!

Sincerely,

Aaron Torres

Princess Jefferson

FEBRUARY 2017

As a young individual when people ask you what you want to be when you grow up, the answers that you think of are endless. As a child I wanted to be an entertainer and an actress. I used to stand in front of the television and sing and dance, and at that age I just knew that anything was possible. As I grew older I realized anything may be possible, but everything comes at a price. The older I grew, what I wanted to be in life changed; the thought of what I wanted to do for the rest of my life changes constantly, because whatever I do, I know that I want to be happy. Although my perspective career is not for certain, I know that I want to be successful.

I am very fortunate in my life to have been blessed with an opportunity such as the Wilbern Heritage Scholarship. This scholarship has helped me pay for fees towards my room and board, but most importantly it has helped ease my ride into success.

When I was interviewed for the Wilbern Scholarship I remember being asked what I wanted to be when I grow up, and I replied, I wanted to be the first African-American Female President of the United States of America. I wanted education to be my platform and I wanted to implement policy that would impact America in a way that would provide great benefit.

I recall that once I gave this response the room fell silent and then the men who interviewed me smiled, they told me anything was possible and that when the time came I had their vote. I remember how my interviewees wondered how I had been so successful in school, all while working and participating in so many extra-curricular activities, how? They asked. Then, I smiled, and I said anything is possible.

It is scholarships like this one that remind me that although this world comes at a cost, there are so many wonderful resources out there to help give assistance on your ride to success. I laugh in the face of adversity because I refuse to be another stereotype; someone who falls between the cracks and crevices of society, and one who has not because she asks not. I asked, and the Wilbern Scholarship gave and for that I am very grateful.

When people ask me what I want to be when I grow up, even though I am studying education policy, I say I don’t know, because I have learned that not everything goes according to plan, but anything is possible, especially with a little assistance.

Thank you to the Wilbern Scholarship Committee for choosing to support me.

Prashantika Gautam

3-18-2016

I wanted to thank you all and write a short testimonial to thank you all for the great impact the scholarship has had on me.

I am currently in General Engineering major and soon will be applying for Civil Engineering here at Texas A&M, College Station. The WHSF scholarship has helped me in a way that I don't have added worry in my college life. I buy all my books and required material on time with the scholarship money, with this I can worry less on getting my materials, and focus more on my studies. I certainly would not have bought books if I did not have scholarship money as many people say that book is not that necessary. But I certainly would say it has made my college experience less stressful.

Prashantika Gautam

Texas A&M University

Natalia Salas

WHSF 2017, Testimonial Statement, 8/12/2018

The Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation is a great organization that helped me start college on the right foot. They award students for hard work, which not only encouraged me to finish high school strong, but also encouraged me to work hard during my freshman year of college. Willbern is also a huge financial help. This scholarship helped me pay for all the books I needed, as well as tuition. They helped me reach my academic goals because the scholarship took off some of the financial burdens of freshman year.

Kelvin Jerome

WHSF 2017 recipient, statement at completion of scholarship, 8/9/2018

My first year of college was amazing. Yes, I had my ups and downs, but I survived and now fully understand what it takes to be a successful college student. The courses I took my first year were really tough, but I was able to pass them and move on the next level. I am still aiming towards construction project management as my career path, and I also plan on going to graduate school for it as well.

Things have changed a lot since last year, I’ve gotten used to how college works and I’m ready to take on the next challenges that it brings. Maturity played a major part in my first year. The Willbern Scholarship helped me with books and computer programs that were needed for my classes, and without this scholarship I would've struggled purchasing these things. I appreciate this organization so much for giving me this scholarship and will continue to use it as motivation to do better in my educational studies.

Johanna Salinas

3-11-2016

I wanted to thank you all and write a short testimonial to thank you all for the great impact the scholarship has had on me.

The Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation has helped me so much this past year. Although I decided to stay and finish my basics at Houston Community College, I am very pleased with my decision. This scholarship has taken some weight off my shoulders and has allowed me to focus more in my studies than the economic needs for my tuition and fees. I have coped well with college and I am glad to say I have the support from the Willbern Heritage Scholarship.

My transition from high school to a freshman in college was somewhat challenging and at times made me nervous, yet this scholarship helped me make a smoother transition. Thanks once again to all the gentlemen who took the time to interview me and get to know me, and to the founders of the scholarship for making such a genuine impact in my academic life. Thank you all, Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation.

Johanna Salinas

Freshman at Houston Community College

Alirma Davis

2019 recipient:

Dear Willbern Heritage Scholarship Donors, 

I would like to express sincere gratitude for the opportunity of being selected as a 2019 Willbern Heritage Recipient. This scholarship has made it possible to afford the expensive textbooks needed to complete my courses, especially in the current times we are facing. COVID-19 caused a lot of uncertainty during the second half of my freshman year and changed a lot of things for me financially. Thankfully, I didn't have to sacrifice my education resources because of this very scholarship. 

I am currently a junior Psychology student at Texas A&M University. I work as a Student Assistant at the Student Business Services and in a Clinical Research Lab at A&M. My current GPA stands at 3.46 and I am set to receive my Aggie Ring in Fall '22 and graduate in Spring '23. 

It has truly been an honor to have the security that you all have provided. I hope that you all will continue to change the lives of scholars just like me. Thank you again! 

Joyce Weng 

WHSF 2022 recipient:

Good morning! I am beyond thankful to have been named a recipient of this scholarship alongside many talented peers from the Houston community. 

Having faced financial hardship during the pandemic, I am now pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Economics, a minor in Finance, and a certificate in Computer Science at the University of Texas at Austin. As I explore my passion through classes and school organizations, the fields of consulting, product management, and data science have since piqued my interest. 

I look forward to my second year with excitement and wish the best for the future of the Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation.

Sincerely,

Joyce Weng

From Pramit De

WHSF 2021 recipient, via email, 1/20/2023:

I've been a bit busy with getting back into the rhythm of school, but I've attached my testimonial below. Let me know if it needs to be modified to third person, with more detail, etc. In regards to the board involvement, I would be happy to stay in contact and attend any fundraisers/events if available.

I am a current sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin, pursuing a Computer Science degree with a minor in Business, and plan to graduate in Spring 2025. I am extremely grateful to have received a scholarship from the Willbern Heritage Foundation. The financial support that I have received has been instrumental in allowing me to focus on my studies and pursue my goals without the added stress of financial burden. Through the scholarship, I was able to meet directly with the WHSF Board of Directors and receive their support throughout my studies at UT Austin.

This summer, I plan to work as a Forward Deployed Software Engineer at Palantir and will continue to work in the Software Engineering industry post-graduation. I highly recommend the Wilbern Heritage Scholarship to any graduating senior who is looking to pursue higher education. The support and opportunities provided by this scholarship can make a significant impact on a student's academic and professional journey. I am incredibly thankful to WHSF for their support and I am excited to see where my education will take me in the future.

Best, Pramit

Alexis Torres

What the WHSF scholarship meant, January 31, 2021:

For me personally the biggest barrier for going to college was money. The current pandemic has made the barrier even harder to overcome, but this scholarship helped me feel more comfortable and eased my path towards college. As of right now I am perusing an Electrical/Computer engineering degree at UT Austin. I hope to find a career in the tech field working with and improving all sorts of technology. 

Thank you so much for everything.

• Alexis Torres

Khamiliah Davis

WHSF 2020 recipient

Dear Willbern Heritage Scholarship Board of Directors,

Thank you for selecting me as a recipient of the 2020 Willbern Heritage Scholarship Foundation. It's an honor and I'm very grateful. Thank you for your generosity, it has given me financial stability and peace of mind to concentrate on my studies. 

I am currently a marketing major in the McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin. I am an active member of five student organizations. This past semester I was able to successfully attend social organization meetings, study groups, office hours, and volunteer because I didn’t have the burden of a part-time job. I worked through my junior and senior years of high school so I know the responsibility of trying to juggle a job with my college workload would have been overwhelming. I made University Honors and currently have a 3.47 GPA. 

In the future, I would like to pursue a career in the business field with an emphasis on marketing. I will attend summer classes at Houston Community College, and I have accepted an internship offer from Dell as a Global Marketing Intern. I hope the knowledge gained from this experience will aid me in my future career endeavors. 

By awarding me this scholarship, my financial burden has been alleviated and this allows me to focus on my education and social connections. Thank you for your continued support and investment in my future!

Best Regards, 

Khamiliah Davis

Mikal Tzegai 

BELLAIRE 2020, 5/23/23

This scholarship has helped me lift a burden that I’ve always associated with college coming from a low-income family. I am currently in the Surgical Technology Program at San Jacinto. I am going to clinical 3 times a week and I get to observe different types of surgeries at the hospital and I absolutely love it! 

I will be graduating in December with an Associate in Surgical Technology. I am also double majoring in Associate in Life Science but will most likely finish that major by next Spring. Once I graduate I will most likely end up with a job offer at one of the 3 hospitals I am rotating through. This scholarship has helped me pay for textbooks all through my 3 years in college. It has also helped me pay for items such as scrubs for my school program and even supplies I needed. These costs have added up but I had the luxury of not being stressed out and just focusing on my school work. This program is rigorous but it is worth it! 

Once I get some experience working at the hospital my goal is to do travel work as a Surgical Technologist and go to hospitals where there is a shortage. I am excited to help patients in the OR and to be a part of their healing. This scholarship has helped me to focus on the big things and lifting that financial burden has been the greatest help! Thank you so much for awarding me this scholarship and for helping me with my success.

Natalie Romero

2022 WHSF recipient, Bellaire HS

Good morning, 

Firstly, I want to express my gratitude for being selected and receiving this scholarship. The WHSF scholarship has allowed me to continue my education and follow my career path. I would also say, the mentorship of this was greatly appreciated. Steve Davis was such a great help to me through my first year of college. 

As a first-gen student, I did not know if I was doing the right things or where I could ask for help. With our monthly meetings, Mr. Davis assured me I was on the right path. The support and collaboration with my mentor gave me assurance that I would be just fine in my time in college. 

Currently, I am majoring in Real Estate Finance and Development. As for my future after college, I plan to continue exercising my real estate license and learn more about the real estate world. I would also plan to work in commercial real estate with larger companies finding new land to develop their businesses. 

Once again, thank you so much for this great opportunity and I am just as excited for the new recipients of the WHSF.

With great gratitude,

Natalie Romero