Ella Halverson
Spring 2019 Engagement Scholarship Recipient
The PES Engagement Scholarship has given me increased financial support and emotional encouragement as I progress through my study abroad program in Milan, Italy. As I attempt to balance my financial, emotional and physical health abroad, the PES Engagement Scholarship has significantly reduced the financial burden of studying abroad in Europe. Instead of taking out an additional loan, the Engagement Scholarship allows me to put myself in a better financial position for the future. After returning from Milan, I will be in a better financial situation which allows me to continue my education at the University of Minnesota.
This scholarship has also supplied me with emotional encouragement and support from a larger community. I know that the PES community, consisting of students with similar backgrounds to my own, is rooting me on. As I travel and experience the culture of Milan and Europe, I know that friends at the UMN are wishing me fun, exciting and challenging experiences in a foreign environment. The experiences I will gain, cultures I will encounter, and new friends I will meet would not be possible without the support of the PES community and the PES Engagement Scholarship. I’m very thankful for this opportunity!