The Portman Smith Family Endowed Scholarship Recipient Haley Adams

"First and foremost, my family and I could not be more grateful for the Smith family's extremely generous donation. It was more than we could have hoped for. I can never fully repay the Smiths for the impact they have had on my life, but I would like to share a little bit about myself and my plans for the future.

My name is Haley Adams and I'm from Lima, Ohio, a city about a ninety minutes Northwest of Columbus. I attended Bath High School and was a very involved student and athlete. I imagine that my dedication and discipline in high school influenced my success at The Ohio State University. I graduated with an honors sash, a National Honors Society cord, and an honors diploma. I also spoke at graduation, which was one of the most gratifying moments of my life. Overall, high school was an amazing experience. I believe all the memories I made and all the lessons I learned sculpted me into the person I am today.

My freshman year was more than I could have ever hoped for. I woke up every morning blessed and feeling truly at home. Before each home game, I would get goosebumps just waiting for the football players to come out and fight for the win! My roommate and I even went to the Michigan State game where we were among the few red in a sea of green and white. When first semester ended, I joined CHAARG, a workout group for young women, and have felt enlightened ever since. In the group, there's always someone encouraging and helping you conquer things you never thought you could. On the academic side, I'm planning on graduating with a degree in actuarial science. As of right now, I'm taking classes to fulfill a Spanish minor. I'm still undecided whether or not I will pick up an economics or statistics minor as well. This year, I will be participating in the STEP Program in hopes to earn money for a study abroad trip to Thailand and Laos. After graduating from The Ohio State University in May of 2020, I hope to work in an insurance company in a major city as an actuary. I would like to use the money I make from my future job to travel the world and to experience new things in life. I want to take my family and my future kids to places they've never seen before.

In the end, I don't know how to thank the Smith family enough. This scholarship has truly changed my life. My family and I are so very grateful. My experience as a scholarship recipient at Ohio State has been eye opening and maybe one day I'll be able to do the same for a future Buckeye."