“Studying abroad fosters transformative growth and profoundly broadens one’s perspective on the world,” Dukes shares as she elaborates on the powerful and commendable work our Founder, Re’Onna Vines, is doing by making study abroad opportunities accessible to more minorities. Dukes attributes this perspective to her recent Spring semester abroad experience in Barcelona, Spain.

Leveraging Scholarships for International Experiences 

Madison has enhanced her college experience through her successful pursuit of scholarships, including the prestigious Gilman Scholarship. This opportunity not only provided financial support but also opened doors to international experiences that have broadened her horizons. By being awarded this scholarship she was able to study abroad, for free! 

Madison explains the process: "To receive the Gilman Scholarship you must be a Federal Pell Grant recipient and a US citizen. There were a multitude of essays that I had to fill out. If I recall correctly I filled out a 10,000-character essay, a 7,000-character essay, and a 1,500-character essay." 

This rigorous application process demonstrates the level of commitment and effort required to secure such valuable opportunities. This asks for focus, patience, and discipline for what may seem like a far shot, but for many other college students, like Dukes, it was able to pay off big time! 

The Pay Off: Comprehensive Coverage 

One of the most impressive aspects of Madison's scholarship experience was its comprehensive nature. "The scholarship covered anything that I needed while being abroad including groceries," she notes. A little digging on the website will show you the Gilman scholarship allows for other approved expenses the scholarship covers like returning and departing flights, housing and utilities, as well as local transportation.  This level of support allowed Madison to fully immerse herself in her international experience without financial worries.

This highlights the importance of researching the scholarships you apply for and taking your time to choose the one that will suit your needs best. Madison's story underscores the transformative power of international experiences in shaping a student's academic and personal growth. By securing a scholarship that covered all her needs abroad, she was able to fully engage with her new environment, enhancing her cultural competence and global perspective.

Navigating Resources and Building Networks

Madison's success story is not just about individual achievement; it's also about effectively utilizing available resources and building networks. She credits her colleagues and the Office of International Affairs for informing her about scholarship opportunities. This highlights the importance of staying connected and proactive in seeking out information. While being informed is one small yet impactful part of the process, utilizing your power and acting on the information is the most impactful part of the process. 

“When applying for the Gilman Scholarship I remained disciplined and focused on my mission which was completing the Gilman Scholarship application before the due date. I did not let distractions get in the way”, said Madison.

Conclusion: Embracing Opportunities

Madison Dukes' journey is a testament to the rewards of ambition, perseverance, and strategic thinking in higher education. Her story encourages fellow students to:

• Set bold, long-term goals

• Actively seek out and apply for scholarships and opportunities

• Leverage university resources and networks

• Embrace international experiences as a means of personal and professional growth

As we celebrate Madison's achievements, we're reminded that college success is not just about academic performance but also about seizing opportunities that enrich our lives and broaden our horizons. Her story serves as an inspiration for students to strive high, act boldly, and be Flier in their college years.

Federal Gilman Scholarship Website: https://www.gilmanscholarship.org/