When the time came for Hatheway to attend college, a friend told her about the United Methodist Student Day Gift of Hope Scholarship. She applied and was awarded the scholarship.
Your gifts on United Methodist Student Day, enables The United Methodist Church to supports the Gift of Hope Scholarship so that students can prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge.
Hatheway made the bold move of enrolling at Colorado State University (CSU) in Fort Collins even though it meant moving to a much larger community. Fort Collins has a population of over 172,000 and Cedaredge's population is less than 3,000. "For those of us who choose to attend an institution of higher learning, the educational and social opportunities for growth are abundant," shared Hatheway.
"The Gift of Hope scholarship, explained Hatheway, has assisted me in furthering my education. I am learning about environmental engineering and various approaches to water treatment and my eyes have been opened to many more global concerns.
In addition to growing educationally, Hatheway is growing socially.
"My first semester of college has given me an excellent opportunity to meet new people, learn new skills, and become more independent. I am learning how to build connections in unfamiliar settings, and I have met a more diverse people in Fort Collins than I ever would have had the opportunity to meet in the small town of Cedaredge. I have one friend from China, and I am beginning to see her less as Chinese and more as a person. It is important to appreciate all cultures; I am learning that ultimately all that matters is that we respect everyone as a person. I am learning that ultimately everyone is a person and has the basic needs of love and support,” said Hatheway.
While in college, Hatheway attends Fort Collins' First United Methodist Church where she is a member of the worship team. When she is at home in Cedaredge, she attends Cedaredge Community United Methodist Church and counsels at the Grand Mesa United Methodist Camp.
"I am taking advantage of as many opportunities as possible to serve the people and the environments around me. I love volunteering in preschools, homeless shelters, food banks, and churches to meet and serve a diverse array of people. My job as a Christian and as a member of society is to love and support those around me to the best of my ability," said Hatheway.
Elsie Cunningham, freelance writer, UMCom retiree, now living in Jamaica
One of six churchwide Special Sundays with offerings of The United Methodist Church, United Methodist Student Day calls the church to support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. The special offering provides scholarships for qualified United Methodist applicants.
When you give generously on United Methodist Student Day, you support students as they prepare for life in uniting faith with knowledge. Give now.
