Haelga Kugonza's $30,000 scholarship
Congratulations to Haelga for receiving this large partial scholarship from Taylor University USA that covers over half of her yearly expenses. Currently, Haelga is on campus pursuing her dream to become a doctor. Her extensive extracurriculars ranging from years of violin-playing experience to an internship at the Uganda cancer institute made her stand out to admissions officers. Read on to hear from her:
How did you feel when you received the news that you got a full-ride scholarship to Taylor University?
I was super grateful and ecstatic. Seeing the amount of money that was taken off my tuition gave me so much relief and peace.
How did Think Forward support your journey?
Jonanda (my Think Forward mentor) helped me with most of the process by offering consistent guidance, answering my questions in detail, and walking me through each step when I felt stuck. Her support during lessons and check-ins made it easier to understand what was expected and how to improve my work.
What do you think made your application stand out?
I think my community service and extracurriculars stood out. Anyone can have a high GPA, but not everyone can juggle that with music, sports, and actively engaging with the communities around you. I think that is what universities look for.
What was the most challenging part of the process, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging part of the process was writing all the essays for college. They all had different requirements and I was to meet them in a specific period of time. However, I would say that managing my time and prioritising all the work I needed to do was helpful.
What advice would you give to students preparing for their applications now?
I would urge them to spend their time wisely and plan ahead. Procrastination is an actual thing, and if you get lazy, it will be hard picking yourself up.
What would you like parents to know about supporting their children through this journey?
I’d like parents to know that the best support they can offer is encouragement and understanding. This journey can feel overwhelming at times, and having someone who believes in you makes all the difference. My mom and dad supported me through the whole process which helped me immensely. I also think that parents should continue to remind their kids that all is well, celebrate progress, and be involved.
How has your experience at Taylor been so far and what’s your favourite thing about it?
My favourite thing about Taylor has been the environment and community. Everyone is helpful and kind. I also love how the professors are actively involved with their students. They try to help as much as they can.
