A scholarship makes a healthier, happier student

"I owe my persistence and resilience in school to both Mr. and Mrs. Trott and to The Horatio Alger Association. I cannot say that I would be where I am now without all of your support." A family history of mental illness has been Asia Hammond's driving force to earn her degree in psychology and ultimately help others. The generosity of the Trott family and The Horatio Alger Association has allowed her to do just that.

Asia herself endured an eating disorder and depression for years, continuing into her freshman and sophomore years of college. Her health and grades suffered, but Asia sought treatment and is now working to raise her GPA and to remain active in multiple extracurricular activities.

"I'm just relieved that I have persevered through those challenges, and that I am in a much healthier and happier place in my life," she said.

As a part of College Mentors for Kids, Asia mentors an energetic third grader named Martaevion. She teaches him about health and careers, and involves him in the Buckeye community to get him excited about college and academic achievement.

"Martaevion challenges me, but I feel like we are growing together and that I am a very positive role model in his life."

Asia also volunteers on the suicide prevention hotline for Northcoast Mental Health Services. Asia says the hotline allows her to translate her experience of losing a loved one into constructive efforts to help others.

The Alger Trott Family Scholarship has assisted Asia in transforming herself and others, and to Mr. and Mrs. Trott, she says, "I am healthy and happy, and I truly owe my success to you."

You can help students like Asia reach their utmost potential. Contact Leslie Kreinberg at kreinberg.3@osu.edu or at 614-247-6600 to learn more.