Kaitlin Krossman devotes most of her time to her schoolwork, leaving little room for a social life.
The senior environmental studies major at Youngstown State University came from North Carolina, paying her way with private loans.
When she found out that she received a $1,000 scholarship for this semester from the Women Retirees of YSU, she was shocked and thankful. It’s the first scholarship she’s received.
“It means a tremendous amount to me. When I found out I was like, ‘Oh, thank you, Lord,'” Krossman said.
Marlene Dailey, a member of the Women Retirees of YSU, retired from her position as the administrative assistant to the provost in 2006 after 38 years.
Dailey was excited to present the scholarship to Krossman.
In some years, the scholarship didn’t have any applicants due to a lack of advertising, Dailey said.
“She was so appreciative,” Dailey said. “She’s just a lovely young lady and is very busy keeping her grades up.”
Krossman’s 3.94 grade point average highlights her dedication. But maintaining a high GPA leaves little time to chase down scholarships.
“I wish that the scholarships would just come to you for having good grades, but it doesn’t work that way,” Krossman said.
She primarily uses private loans to pay for school.
“Not to sound cliche, but during these hard times, any amount of money can help ease the frustrations of trying to pay for college,” Krossman said. “This scholarship definitely helped with some of the cost for last fall and this spring semester.”
Krossman said receiving the scholarship also meant a great deal to her parents, who still live in North Carolina and work full time.
“Receiving this scholarship from this lovely bunch of ladies based on my hard work just made me so happy and grateful,” Krossman said.
Dailey said she hopes to see both the number of applicants and the amount of the scholarship grow.
“This scholarship means a great deal to us. Education is in our blood,” Dailey said.
Members of the Women Retirees of YSU are either former students or faculty that have entered retirement. They meet once a month.
“It’s really nice to keep in touch and get to know people who you’ve worked with,” Dailey said.
Scholarship applicants must be U.S. citizens and female full-time juniors or seniors. They must also have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.
Applicants must include three letters of recommendation: one from a professor in their major and two from non-relatives.
The application must be turned in to the YSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships by March 1. This year’s recipient will be announced at the Women Retirees of YSU luncheon in April.