Eastern Illinois University_STUDENT STORY COURTNEY WALTON[이스턴일리노이대학교](미국주립대 장학금)

Eastern Illinois University_STUDENT STORY COURTNEY WALTON[이스턴일리노이대학교]

Courtney Walton wants to teach English someday, but she says before receiving the Errett and Mazie Warner English Award she wasn’t even sure she’d be able to continue pursuing that dream at EIU.

“Receiving this scholarship is truly an honor,” said Walton, a Wheaton native who also participates in ACTS Campus Ministries and the Minority Teachers Education Association. “After not receiving financial aid for the next school year, I was uncertain how I would be able to finance my tuition. Because of this scholarship, I know that I will be able to continue my education.”

In addition to teaching, Walton hopes to someday open a community center for inner-city teens to give them a safe place to spend their free time.

“I will make a positive difference in the world by being kind to everyone I meet,” said Walton. “Displaying love and compassion for others is beneficial to human development. I strive to inspire people to do better and I like to serve as a voice of encouragement to others.

“I know that this does not sound like much, but peoples' kindness and generosity means a lot to me and has positively shaped my world.”

Walton keeps a quote in mind when thinking of the impact the Warner Award has had on her: “You may just be a person to the world, but to a person you may mean the world.” For her, the donors who made her scholarship possible are the ones who mean the world.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone for their support,” said Walton. “Truly, I am so honored and appreciative of this great blessing.”