2021 Runner Up Winners Round 3

The Attorney Rick Merrill Dream Scholarship

The Dream Scholarship was started in 2016 to help support the dreams of a current high school or college student looking to make a difference through the pursuit of their passion.

Applicants were asked to submit a picture with a caption that in combination shares their dream and shows how it makes a difference.

Each year we present a $1500 scholarship to applicant who provides the most creative photo or image with a caption to  explain their dream.

This year we are excited to announce that we have a multitude of winners to share with you. You will want to check back each week of July to share in more of the Dreams that were selected for an assortment of scholarships.

Congratulations to our Runner up Winners.

Mia Nelson Natural World Advocate

In Kindergarten, I was asked “what do you want to be when you grow up?” In front of everyone, I said “a mad scientist!” While I no longer want to be a mad scientist, I still am intrigued by the unknown. I will be uncovering the unknown natural world in the College of Environment at the UW. 

The gate seen in this picture is called a “Torii”(toe-ree). It is found by the entrances of shrines all over Japan. While they are pretty to look at, they have been attributed the meaning of a transition. More specifically, the transition from the mundane to the sacred. While college may not be the most sacred thing one can think of, the symbolism of transitioning from one thing to the next is something that can be applied to me. Transitioning from a high school student to a college student is perhaps the biggest change I will go through until I get married or learn that I’m actually royalty Princess Diaries style. Aside from becoming a princess, my dream is to protect our home from a fiery future induced by global warming. So, with this scholarship, I will hopefully save us all. You’re welcome.

Nhu Nguyen Public Health Professional

Growing up in a low-income family in Vietnam and immigrating to the U.S. at the age of 15, I had no idea how the K-12 education system, let alone higher education, worked in America. Neither of my parents speaks English, nor has had an opportunity to complete high school, so I was entirely on my own feet when it came to academics. Thus, I was advised not to attend a four-year college straight out of high school. Against all odds, getting accepted to the University of Washington was a huge milestone for me.

Throughout my college career, whenever I encountered an obstacle, I looked at this photo that I took during my UW Advising & Orientation in June 2017 and reminded myself that I am pursuing my American Dream not only for myself but also for my parents’ innumerable sacrifices.

Upon graduation, I intend to complete a Master of Public Health degree. I will not let anything interfere with my educational goals of becoming a public health leader because my strive for success driven by the potential impact I will make on the lives of so many others is so much greater than any hardship life may present me with.

Jaden Roskelley Pilot

The excitement I feel in the Sky is like no other.

Jacob Uradnik Marketing manager

The attached photo is of me climbing Glacier Peak in Washington State. I have also climbed Mt. Baker, but my dream is to climb Mt. Rainier. With an elevation of 14,411 feet, Mt. Rainier is the tallest mountain in Washington State. Growing up, being the shortest kid on the playground did not bode well for me. I was always picked last for sports teams and was never as good as some of my peers. Between, soccer, baseball, lacrosse, and football, I was never able to find a sport that suited me. However, when I got into backpacking, I realized none of that matters. My physical strength was only important to me and no matter how long it took me to climb a mountain, I would be able to do it. Climbing Glacier Peak was one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. It took four days through thunderstorms, but I was able to appreciate myself even more after. Discovering a newfound love for climbing and myself, I made it my goal to one day climb Mt. Rainier. This dream is not for anyone besides myself which is why it is so special to me.

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