Encouragement for Terry Scholar Students and Parents

by Karen Jennings

Parents:
We have had 2 children receive Terry Foundation Scholarships.  Thank you is not an adequate expression of the gratitude we have for having received this blessing.  This foundation is awesome. Unfortunately, we have not been able to participate in the parent activities at TTU.  We will try to concisely communicate some of our suggestions to help calm your nerves and curb any fears you might have.

1.  Look up the Terry Foundation and get an understanding of their generosity and their vision for students.
2. PREPARE your young adult for the interview (especially if this is the first interview they have ever experienced).
3. Ask a former Terry Scholars to do a practice interview with your student.  If you know no former scholars, ask some professional friend to do a mock interview.
4. Write down specific questions you think they might ask.  Prepare to answer those.  Then prepare for some surprise question that you have not considered.  My daughter was asked what her favorite book was.  Don’t just answer the question—add a little explanation.
5. If your child has other scholarship money, don’t sweat it if Terry offers only a small scholarship the first year.  As those scholarships are used, Terry has increased the award accordingly.

Since all freshmen students have to live in the dorm at TTU, Terry’s stipulation of living in the dorm was unarguable.  Our concern arose when we learned they had to stay in the same dorm with each other.  Our son had a roommate picked and planned to live in the agriculture dorm.  We were concerned about compatibility, but our fears were unwarranted.  The dorm was an excellent situation in our opinion.  That environment was far better than we could have imagined.  According to our son, the Terry students encouraged each other to study and provided a chance to develop real relationships.  He felt it was far better than his experience in the ag dorm would have been. His sophomore year, he roomed with two other Terry scholars in a house.  He enjoys friends in his major, but also enjoys having more diversity in his friendships with the other Terry kids.

We do have to admit, that although we knew it was a co-ed dorm, we did not expect girls and guys to live on the same floor and right across the hall from each other.  His older sister (by 12 years) was most horrified!  Because of the “apartment” type living set up, it was no different than an apartment complex except that there was hopefully a bit more oversight and accountability.  (At least that is how we appeased ourselves.)

Parents, relax, count your blessings for having had the opportunity to apply for this amazing scholarship, and pray for God’s will for your young adult’s perfect destiny.  If he/she does not receive a Terry, it is not the end of the world—another door will open up.  If he/she is awarded a scholarship, be sure you and your child realize the great opportunity you have been granted. 

Good luck to all.