Editor's Note: This is the first in a series of three articles profiling Eastern Michigan University's 14 Presidential Scholars.
The Presidential Scholarship is a four-year award that pays 30 credit hours (15 per semester) per year of in-state tuition, housing, food allowance and mandatory fees. Students who receive these scholarships must live in University residence halls the first two years of the award, complete at least 15 credit hours per semester and maintain a 3.5 GPA.
Scholarship recipients are selected during EMU's annual Presidential Scholarship Competition. Awards are based on a competitive exam. To compete, high school seniors must have either a 3.7 GPA or a 3.5 to 3.69 GPA, with a minimum 25 ACT or 1,150 SAT score. Each scholarship winner also must complete a successful interview.
This year, 14 students were found deserving of the honor. Profiles of the first five are provided below.
Joanna Abeli (East Lansing, Mich.)
The scholarship was not the only reason Joanna Abeli had her eye on EMU. She committed to EMU mainly because of the Japanese program.
"Eastern has an amazing Japanese program," she said.
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Abeli |
According to her plan, Abeli will receive her bachelor's degree in Japanese from EMU; relocate to Japan to teach English; come back to the United States to attend graduate school for a degree in marine archeology; and then head back to Japan to study.
Pirates from the early 1900s have influenced her interest in marine archeology.
"I think they lived a very interesting lifestyle," she said.
Not surprisingly, Japanese is her favorite class. She joined the Japanese Student Association, Quest and Best Buddies. In the Best Buddies program, volunteers are paired with an emotionally or physically challenged individual and the two spend time together.
"My best buddy and I like to watch movies. It's a great program because you are getting volunteer hours for just hanging out with someone," she said.
In addition to academics and extracurricular activities, Abeli works Night Watch, checking students into Downing Hall. She usually works 1-4 a.m., and wakes up for Japanese class at 9 a.m.
"I only work a couple nights a week, so it's not bad. Plus I love waking up for Japanese," she said.
Fatemeh Abdollahi (Ann Arbor, Mich.)
Fatemeh Abdollahi's parents have been preparing her for college since she was able to read.
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Abdollahi |
"Every subject — from astronomy to zoology — with a little Nancy Drew in between could be easily found; you just had to look," she said about growing up in her house.
Reading paid off for this young woman. When she began ninth grade, she realized she had read every required book while she was in sixth grade. So, she tested out of the class and went on to a higher level.
During her first semester at EMU, she took a graduate course in syntax because she had, while in high school, already taken four linguistics courses at the University of Michigan. While it was clear Abdollahi was not challenged enough in high school, this does not seem to be an issue at Eastern.
"When I finish something here, there's always something else for me to work on. I go stir-crazy without giving myself enough to do," she said.
Abdollahi was accepted to work for the Linguist List, where she is the only undergraduate student employed. The aim of the Linguist List is to provide a forum where academic linguists can discuss linguistic issues and exchange linguistics information.
"It's a great accomplishment," she said.
A double major in linguistics and computer science, Abdollahi hopes to start a film club and an undergraduate linguistics club while at EMU.
Kishavan Bhola (Toledo, Ohio)
After he earned a first-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, at the age of 13, Kishavan Bhola realized he was unstoppable.
"I knew it was one of those unforgettable moments of life," he said.
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Bhola |
He zipped through high school, maintaining a 4.3 grade point average. When it came time to decide where to attend college, Bhola visited EMU. After meeting the administrators, touring the campus and seeing his residence hall, Bhola decided EMU was the place for him.
"The biggest factor in my decision was the people," he said.
There is no doubt that Bhola wants to be involved around campus. He is vice president of the R.H.A. Leadership Board in Downing Hall, and started a chess club in Downing that he wants to become schoolwide. He is planning to join the Tae Kwon Do Club and anything math or physics-related.
Although, he is currently undecided about a major, Bhola enjoys math and physics. His honors class, "Quest for Power," is the highlight of his classes because the professors are able to interest him even though history usually does not.
Bhola is happy with his decision to attend EMU. He loves the environment and the small class sizes.
"You can always get one-on-one with a professor if you need to, and my floor, the second floor, is like a community. We all know each other," he said.
Benjamin Crumm (Canton, Mich.)
Benjamin Crumm has experienced more than some twice his age. Having his own radio show, producing a documentary film, writing reviews for the Detroit Free Press, and traveling around the world are highlights from this scholar's experiences.
"To be honest, I decided to come to EMU because it was free," he said matter-of-fact. "But, I really am enjoying it. Eastern has the best history professors and really good faculty."
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Crumm |
The history professors are important to Crumm because they are helping to carve the path for his future career. He is double majoring in history and area studies of Africa.
Traveling to Kenya, with his church's youth group, helped him decide his future career goals. Crumm had many realizations while in Kenya. One occurred when he met a young Kenyan boy while visiting one of the school buildings. The boy's passion for learning was evident when he enthusiastically taught Crumm the entire history of Africa.
"I realized this boy was like me in mind, but not in circumstances. He was in one of the country's poorest schools. I like to think he'll become a lawyer, but I know that's a high expectation," he said.
Sadly realizing that this smart, young boy would probably be another mark on the poverty line, Crumm decided to pursue law school to work overseas with an international charity.
Crumm loves his "Culture in the Holocaust" class because it is broken up into three sections with three different professors covering different dynamics of the Holocaust.
Although Crumm is enjoying residence hall life, his classes are the best part of EMU. He may join the forensics team because speaking will be an important element of his future.
Patrick Davis (Warren, Mich.)
A list of activities and positions of rank; community service obligations filled; numerous honors and awards; a 4.3 GPA and a 33 composite score on the ACT is the description of a "well-rounded" high school student. Patrick Davis defines the term.
His profound commitment to academics did not prevent his participation in extracurricular activities or community service. The dedication Davis displayed in high school followed him to EMU.
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Davis |
"In addition to the scholarship, I chose Eastern because of the guidance from the administration and the size of the university. It's perfect," said Davis.
A math major, looking at an economics minor, Patrick loves to perform. He has formed meaningful friendships as a member of EMU's Choir and Vocal Jazz Ensemble.
Davis smiles when discussing his future career path.
"I want to be a math professor at a university, but being an actuary advanced accountant is a practical job. I want to leave my options open for now," he said.
Earning a perfect 36 on the math section of the ACT coincides perfectly with his chosen career path. Because of his love of performing, Davis has contemplated a minor in theater performance.
"I took an acting class and really enjoyed it and, eventually, I would like to do something in drama before the end of my college career," he said.
His extensive list of achievements support the self-inflicted stress Davis endures. But, his perfectionism has most recently earned him the rank of Eagle Scout.
"Fortunately, over the years, I have been able to tone down my self-imposed stress. But, it is still a personal demon that I must face every day," he said.
