Meet some of our VASBA Scholarship recipients! Learn more about their paths of study, connections to the community and next steps towards their future in STEM.
Zelgin is a student at Averett University Aviation Academy and writes:
"Zelgin is a native of Glen Allen, VA and a graduate of Glen Allen High School.
He has wanted to be a pilot since watching Tom Cruise fly over the open ocean with his puffy leather jacket and aviators on when he was 12 years old.
Selgin writes: "Though being an aviation student is very different from the dramatic scenes of Top Gun, my passion for flying has remained while I learn the ins and outs of this amazing career."
In addition to flying, he is a member of the Averett Baseball program, Freshman SGA Vice President, chair member of the Athletic Diversity and Inclusion Club, and an
Averett SET TV news anchor."
Alex is a student at Virginia State University and writes:
"I am a junior at Virginia State University majoring in computer science with high hopes to
minor in cyber security. This scholarship would mean a lot to me because I am essentially on my own, no family, no friends, and no outside help to aid me in my
academic journey called a bachelor's degree. I do not come from a rich family and I certainly don't have the contacts I would like to have to put me in a better
position. Everything I have I've had to get on my own from the day I was born. I currently live off campus because it is cheaper than living on campus and factoring
groceries and other essentials it can be quite costly. I lost 2 jobs, a work study and local job, that were helping me stay afloat but due to the pandemic funds have
been extremely low and I have had to find new inconvenient ways to supplement meals and my bills. Luckily, I did do a brief stint in the military and that has helped
a little as far securing odd jobs and what not. Given my current circumstances I still remain in school with a 3.5 GPA, Honors student, I compete in various after
school activities and competitions, I am a member of the Caribbean students association, and I have my eye on several other organizations to join as well as start
brand new as an original founder. This scholarship will help take a load off and give the extra boost needed to put myself in a better situation than the one the
life has previously and currently dealt me."
Madison is a student at Tidewater Community College and writes:
"Dear Virginia AeroSpace Business Association, Thank you so much to the ones at Virginia
AeroSpace Business Association who sponsor the Annual Scholarship for Excellence in Engineering. If it were not for your support, I would be unable to get through
school or truly drown in debt trying to do so. Thank you for helping students like me in need. I am currently attending my first semester at TCC and working to
earn my Associates of Science in Engineering degree before I transfer to ODU to major in Civil Engineering and minor in Mechanical Engineering. I currently work
3-4 days a week as a busser and hostess as the Becca restaurant in the Cavalier Hotel. The scholarship you have so generously provided help to pay for my tuition
and textbooks. This scholarship was very helpful this year with COVID because I have had to purchase lab kits for my science classes. I thank you again to those
at the Virginia AeroSpace Business Association who are helping me not just get through college but making my education and my learning an enjoyable and memorable
xperience. Thank you very much for you aid."
