Oct. 26, 2009 started like a regular day for IB student senior Robel Yared. He was sitting in English class when, suddenly, a Nordstrom representative awarded him with a scholarship of $10,000.
Nordstrom awards college scholarships to students all over the country, and Yared was one of the five finalists chosen out of approximately 500. The areas ranged from San Diego County to Northern and Central New Jersey to Alaska.
In late May, a teacher had notified Yared and fellow IB students about this scholarship. Yared applied the following month, not knowing what to expect.
Apart from core requirements such as being a junior and maintaining at least a 2.7 unweighted GPA, applicants must also be eligible to receive financial assistance for college. A personal essay, recommendation letter, official transcript and a description of community service and involvement in school activities are also required.
“Among the applicants, I felt that it was really my essay that helped me to stand out. I took on a topic that I felt that I could really make unique and not have anyone else write,” said Yared
The $10,000 scholarship is given to a four-year college or university over four years, in equal payments of $2,500. Among Yared’s top choices are University of Virginia, Georgetown University, University of Maryland and University of Michigan.
By providing such a scholarship, Nordstrom is “giving back to the community,” said Nordstrom Diversity Affairs Director Jerzy Romanowski. After receiving all applications, Nordstrom executives and local community leaders choose 13 semifinalists. An interview was conducted with these semifinalists, and Yared was chosen as one of five finalists.
“I did not think my chances were that good, but I gave it a shot,” said Yared. Yared adds that, as advice to other students who are applying to scholarships, never count yourself out. “You never know what [the committee] is looking for. If you see the opportunity there, don’t rob yourself of the opportunity. If there isn’t, there are always other scholarships out there.”
Friends, family and staff are very happy with Yared’s accomplishments. “We are very proud of Robel. He is a very hard working boy,” said Tsige Yared, Robel’s mother. This scholarship will allow Yared to study medicine at his university of choice.
