As long as Trent Hisey can remember, the church has been an important part of his life. His mother and father were married at Church of the Good Shepherd UMC, he was baptized there and attended preschool there. " The church showed me the importance of caring for others, giving back and making a difference in other people’s lives," said Hisey.
But Hisey had his challenges. " I watched my mom collapsed in front of me when I was 10 years old. She suffered a sudden heart attack. She survived because three strangers performed CPR. It was a very stressful and emotional time for our family but my faith and church family helped me through that tough time," continued Hisey.
Hisey learned about the United Methodist Student Day Gift of Hope scholarship from the General Board of Higher Education and Ministry's Loans and Scholarship website. "Going to an out-of-state university, says Hisey, is very expensive. I appreciate the help the Gift of Hope scholarship provided. It helped my family determined how to handle this new financial obligation. The University of Michigan was my first choice, and the scholarship helped me realize that dream. Finances are one of the biggest hurdles that prohibit students from pursuing a college degree. Having scholarships available helps students who want to realize their educational goals."
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
Hisey feels fortunate to be admitted to the University of Michigan School of Business. "I want to pursue a career in business, and my studies are allowing me to learn more about marketing, economics, and finance. My school has also allowed me to work as part of a team on a group project and this experience is helping me become close friends with my team. I am meeting people from different backgrounds and I am learning that they are just like me. This is a memorable experience," explained Hisey.
Hisey is currently on the Youth Leadership Council at Angel City Sports, a nonprofit organization that works to provide sports opportunities for disabled individuals. "Working with this group gives me a new perspective; it is very rewarding to give back to individuals who are surprisingly similar to me," shared Hisey.
"After graduating, I hope to use my degree at a company that aligns with my beliefs, and helps to further my individual goals as well as the goals of the company," says Hisey.
Thank you for your generous gifts to the United Methodist Student Day offering. You can give online anytime; mail your gift to GCFA, P.O. Box 340029, Nashville, TN 37203 or give through your church. When you support United Methodist Student Day, you help students unite their faith with knowledge.
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.
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.
