When first researching the Catch a Break! Scholarship Program, I was surprised to find there were mentorship meetings and group events which complemented the financial award. My surprise was understandable considering many of the college scholarships I had applied to were created to provide financial support alone. Having recently graduated from the University of Minnesota and the CAB! Program, I see the many advantages of mentorship meetings and group events.
The mentorship program has allowed me to build long-lasting relationships with two individuals who I trust and respect. Having met with my mentors, Holly and Carl, at least two times a year over four years, we developed the ability to have very honest and open conversations. The topics of these conversations included academics, financial wellness, social wellbeing, and much more. During these conversations Holly and Carl gave me impactful advice and reassurance. My freshman year was filled with studying for various chemistry classes and shadowing several healthcare professionals, but I was not certain that studying science was the best fit for me. Through talking with Holly and Carl, I realized healthcare was not the only possible path for me. This conversation and similar ones encouraged me to transfer to the Carlson School of Management. This was a spectacular change and it would not have been possible without the advice and support from my mentors.
The CAB! group events have been an exciting opportunity to talk with my mentors while connecting with other CAB! scholars and their mentors. Each event has a fun theme, delicious food, and plenty of time to talk. For example, the FOCI paperweight event allowed our group to mold paperweights from gathered hot glass. While a few individuals were molding glass, the rest of the group was able to reconnect and eat. Events like these were a fun break from my academic semester and allowed me to establish friendships with other individuals in the program.
Overall, the CAB! Scholarship Program has several important and impactful components. The scholarship financially supports scholars while the mentorship program and group events provide social support. The mentorship program and group events brought a lot of value, support, and fun to my college experience.