Jaime Irick

Every scholarship program has a mission—some reward academic excellence , while others focus on community service, leadership, or financial need. Before applying, research the organization offering the scholarship. Read its website, past winner profiles, and eligibility criteria to understand what values it promotes. This knowledge helps you tailor your application to align with the sponsor’s goals. When you show that you truly understand the scholarship’s purpose, you create a stronger connection with the reviewers. For example, if a scholarship honors public service, emphasize your volunteer projects and community involvement. Customizing your application for each opportunity shows effort and increases your chances of standing out. Plan Early and Stay Ahead of Deadlines One of the biggest mistakes students make is waiting too long to apply. Scholarship deadlines often arrive months before college decisions, so planning early is crucial. Start researching in your junior year, or even ...

Great leadership isn’t defined by the size of your office or the title on your email signature. It’s measured by how you show up when the pressure is high, the stakes are real, and your choices shape the culture around you. In the corporate world , leading with courage, character, and integrity isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s the difference between inspiring loyalty and commanding obedience. 1. Courage Is Doing the Right Thing When It’s the Hard Thing Every leader faces moments that test their backbone. Maybe it’s pushing back on a senior executive’s unrealistic timeline, calling out unethical behavior, or defending a team member who’s being sidelined. These moments rarely come with fanfare. Often, they’re uncomfortable, risky, and lonely. But courage in leadership doesn’t mean being fearless; it means acting on your principles even when fear is present. Think of a project manager who refuses to ship a flawed product despite immense pressure to “just get it out.” Their courage might c...