Impact Profile, Scott R.,’21
When Scott R., ’21, decided to study integrated health services at Kent State, he never imagined the biggest test of his college career would be battling through a pandemic.
Scott chose to attend Kent State because of its state-of-the-art services, as well as its highly educated professors. The Kent campus turned into a second home for him. “I have met so many amazing people and joined great organizations. It makes me feel very comfortable to call Kent State my home,” Scott said.
But when COVID-19 struck that home, it led to canceled classes, canceled events he planned to participate in and the loss of his job. He was left without any income and could do nothing about it, but he still had many expenses.
“I had no job but a lot of household bills. And when it came down to not being able to buy groceries, I knew I had to apply for aid.”
“I was not sure how I was going to dig myself out of the hole I was stuck in,” Scott said. “But once I applied for assistance from the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund, I had immediate relief.”
A gift to the fund not only helps meet the physical needs of students, it also helps their mental health. Scott noted that many students he knows are stressed from online classes and having no income. Assistance from the emergency fund not only helps feed and house them, but it also lessens their anxiety, allowing them to focus on their studies.
“Although not everyone at Kent State knows each other, I feel as if I have a duty to help protect all Flashes, no matter who it is. We are one big family, and I've never been prouder to be a Golden Flash.”
The motto “Flashes take care of Flashes” has never been truer or more important than during these difficult times. “I know that even though I’m jobless, I still want to help other Kent State students out in any way I possibly can,” Scott said.
To help more students like Scott, visit the website and make a secure online gift to the Kent State Emergency Grant Fund.