KSU’s Kizmat Tention is one of 20 students awarded a nationwide scholarship from the OneScholarship competition by Higher One.
“I feel my story can be an encouragement or motivation for someone else, for nontraditional students … and also for people turning a tragedy into a triumph,” Tention said.
Tention is a nontraditional student. She applied for the scholarship after seeing it on her Higher One account. The scholarship competition promoted the philosophy that there is a way to achieve higher education.
“Find a good support system that will encourage you when times are tough. Don’t be afraid to take advantage of school resources,” Tention said. “Be flexible and give yourself a little room for error.”
The application called for a video submission that detailed the struggles students go through to achieve their educational goals.
In her video, Tention talks about turning her love of helping others into a career in counseling. She said this goal led her to pursue an education at KSU and, in result, to apply for the Higher One scholarship.
Like many students, Tention said she was apprehensive before applying for a scholarship and thought winning one would be difficult.
“Just speak from your heart … pursue scholarships that will allow you to speak about things you’re passionate about,” Tention said.
Tention was awarded the Higher One scholarship because she overcame obstacles to pursue her academic goals.
“Struggles,” Tention said, “are in our lives so that we can help someone else.” In her words, they are “opportunities to grow and learn.”
In a press release from Higher One, the organization that sponsors the scholarship competition, “All 20 winners have shown great character in overcoming personal and financial obstacles to obtain their education.”
Tention said she will continue her education at KSU this fall, working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
