SXU Student Awarded Foresters Financial Competitive Scholarship
Saint Xavier University (SXU) student Emily Hovanes has earned the 2023-2024 Foresters Financial Competitive Scholarship. Recipients of the scholarship must demonstrate academic excellence and exceptional leadership in their contributions toward charitable activities.
Applicants of the scholarship also must be related to a Foresters Financial current member.
"I technically could not have done this without my grandpa. It was even more special to me because he was so happy I received it. It meant a lot to me to be selected because it was a nationwide pool, meaning my application really stood out. It's important to looks for scholarship opportunities because they're out there, and every little bit helps!" said Hovanes.
Hovanes, who majors in nursing and psychology, has been committed to volunteerism since she was in high school, helping out with projects for her local hometown, events for her school and local church, and serving as a dance assistant at her hometown dance studio, Dance Alive! Dance Studio. She completed over 600 hours of service by the time she entered her senior year of high school and was also heavily involved in leadership opportunities, including serving as her school's National Honor Society secretary, being part of the school's leadership academy, and competing with her school's Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) chapter.
"The volunteering I've done has meant a lot to me because it feels good to be able to help and make others happy. I hold being a dance assistant very close to my heart, as I formed so many relationships with the younger dancers and could be a role model for them. When my grandma would ask for help baking for a funeral luncheon at the church, I'd say yes every time, because I knew I'd be making the life of someone who lost a loved one easier. My volunteer work is about spreading love, joy and kindness to people," said Hovanes.
As a mental health advocate, Hovanes was drawn to study nursing. She hopes to be a voice for those who are hurting inside.
"As an empathetic individual, nursing is my calling. I want to use my gift to help others for the greater good. Being a nurse will be so rewarding, and as a mental health nurse, I can potentially save lives," said Hovanes.
Hovanes appreciates that the courses she's taking at SXU are preparing her for her future aspirations. Though the classes are challenging, she feels motivated to work hard and understand the concepts, and she looks forward to future core nursing classes and engaging in simulations that will help her to build her skills. She's grateful for SXU faculty and staff, who provide a positive, supportive environment that is helping her to thrive.
Hovanes is part of SXU's dance team, Paw Prints, and is proud to also have an athletic scholarship. She looks forward to competition and basketball season. She's grateful that her team has grown close over time and that she's made plenty of great connections and friends at SXU. From exploring the lower stacks of the Robert and Mary Rita Murphy Stump Library to late-night adventures with her roommate, her time at SXU has been rich in joy.
After graduating from SXU, Hovanes plans to pursue a master's degree in nursing and become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.