Amanda Gladstone, recipient of the Stein Family College Scholarship in 2014, has one semester left at Virginia Tech and radiates enthusiasm when she talks about her experience there. To say she loves Virginia Tech would be an understatement. A senior in marketing, she believes her college adventure was enriched due to her participation in many activities, including Greek life (she’s a Pi Beta Phi), Hokie Ambassadors, Residential Leadership, and the Virginia Tech chapter of the American Marketing Association.
“In high school I was really involved in BBYO, so that made me want to get involved in college. Being involved has led to many amazing opportunities,” she says.
One of the highlights of Amanda’s college experience was studying abroad in Leguno, Switzerland, during which she visited 10 different countries.
When she graduates, Amanda looks forward to getting a job in the advertising industry. Reflecting on her time at Virginia Tech, she says that life would be a lot different had she not received the Stein Scholarship. “Stein has helped me every step of the way. I’m lucky that I have not had to struggle with debt like a lot of my friends, and it has given me more free time to take advantage of many experiences. My trip abroad would not have happened without Stein.”
Considering how she has changed since high school, Amanda says that although she thought she was so mature and poised back then, she has grown so much academically and personally, gained confidence, and become more cultured and globally aware. “College has helped me grow and become more equipped for real adult life. You never stop learning and growing.”
Amanda encourages all Jewish high school seniors to apply for the scholarship. “This applies to everything, not just the Stein Scholarship, but if you don’t try for it, you can’t have it. The scholarship application gives you the opportunity to make a personal statement and express who you are, how it will impact you, and how you will make the most of it.”
The Stein Family College Scholarship, administered by the Tidewater Jewish Foundation, is open to all Jewish high school seniors with a minimum 3.0 grade point average. The application, which can be found at www.jewishva.org, is due on March 30, 2018. For more information, contact Barb Gelb at bgelb@ujft.org or 757.965.6105.
– Barb Gelb