Marilyn Macario

As a first-generation college student from Cleveland, OH, it was hard for me to picture myself in college. I was told that I needed to have good grades, but no one really explained what to expect about college or what to do in order to get in. I was so grateful to receive scholarships through the Morrill Scholarship Program and the Say Yes Scholarship, which is part of an initiative from Cleveland Public Schools. These two scholarships completely covered my tuition.

Specifically, the Morrill Scholarship Program creates a space for diversity and inclusion, giving students the opportunity to become leaders and advocates through social justice and community service.

Without both of these scholarships, I would not be where I am today. They opened doors to so many opportunities and helped me discover what my capabilities are. The Morrill Scholarship Program provided assistance in every aspect of my education journey, like tutoring, access to test banks, supplementary instruction classes and more. I had a mentor from the program who helped me adjust to everything in college, including an environment that was entirely new for me.

I’m so grateful for having the opportunity to experience things that my family was unable to imagine or even see. - Marilyn Macario, fourth-year health and rehabilitation major

I was also close with my academic coach from the Say Yes Scholarship program. They were not only able to relate to my experience and help me navigate financial aid and sessions for FAFSA, but they also helped talk me through many other academic and personal questions. Being able to graduate loan-free is more than I could ever ask for, and I’m so grateful for having the opportunity to experience things that my family was unable to imagine or even see. I will remain a Buckeye for life!