Features

Sakinah Ali, second year, Science and Technology Exploration

Sakinah Ali says she was raised to believe college attendance was the only option. “My mom works hard to put me here, and I work hard to make sure her hard work doesn’t go in vain,” she says.

Ali came to Ohio State with plans to be a developmental engineer for the U.S. Air Force, but has since discovered a passion for neural engineering with a focus on neural prosthesis.

“The grant allows us to breathe a little easier knowing (money is) one less thing we have to worry about this year.”

Kaci Bryant, second year, Animal Sciences

From the time she was young, Kaci Bryant has always worked with animals, so she has known for a long time that she wanted to be a veterinarian and a Buckeye.

She grew up working on her family’s Gallia County farm, and was continually involved with 4-H and the Future Farmers of America. She plans to leverage her Ohio State education to open her own veterinary practice, including a fully operational bovine and equine reproduction facility.

“The President’s Affordability Grant has allowed me to become the best student I can be,” she says.

“The financial aid I have received has opened new doors for me. Without financial aid, grad school might not be one of my goals.”

Tasha Girotra, third year, Marketing

A President’s Affordability Grant made it possible for Tasha Girotra to return to Ohio State for a third year. 

“My parents always encouraged me to study hard so I could go to college, so I always assumed that college was a possibility,” Girotra says.

“Coming to Ohio State doesn’t feel like I’m leaving home to come to college; it just feels like I’m coming back home.”

Braden Heyd, third year, Film Studies

Braden Heyd has made every effort to make his college days about paying forward. “I just want to help people because my time here at Ohio State has been amazing, and I want to give that back,” Heyd says.

He has been able to pay his tuition almost entirely from scholarships and grants, while working to pay for living expenses. "I want to get involved in things that allow me to utilize my skillset and help people. I like to get out of bed every morning and have 16-hour days," he says.

“I’m trying to get through school with the most experiences possible and the least amount of debt. (The President’s Affordability Grant) really motivates me to keep working hard.”

Brooke Komm, second year, Marketing

Brooke Komm grew up close to the poverty line; no one in her family had ever been to college. When she brought up the idea, some in her family did not approve. Now in her second year at Ohio State, the first-generation college student dreams of leading a Fortune 500 marketing company and conducting business internationally. 

“By receiving the President’s Affordability Grant, I will not have to second-guess myself when I decide to travel to China to dive into the East Asian culture,” Komm says.

“It takes money to travel and to have global experiences. It takes money to pay for the college experience in general. With extra support, it gives me confidence in my decisions and takes pressure off of me when I decide to pursue my dreams and passions.”

Hunter Wright, first year, Sports Industry

Hunter Wright grew up in one of the poorest counties in the nation. Though his own family wasn’t terribly poor, he still didn’t think he’d be able to go to school. He spent his first college year at a small college to bring up his grades and save money — then made his dream come true when he was accepted and enrolled at Ohio State.

“The President’s Affordability Grant will take away some of the stress of paying for school so I can focus more on achieving the grades I need to receive a degree.”