Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Communication and French Double Major Pursue Dream Career in Education

This December, members of our Fulbright College Family are sharing expressions of gratitude, letters of thanks and their appreciation for those who have helped make their educational journey possible. 

Meet April Vincent, who thanks to the Virgil L. Baker Scholarship Fund, is one step closer to her dream of a career in secondary education, teaching and counseling, and possibly a position in administration.

Virgil L. Baker Scholarship Fund Recipient April Vincent

Name: April Vincent
Hometown: Monticello, Arkansas
Graduation: 2021

Major(s)/Minor(s): Dual Majoring in Communication and French

Activities/Interests: Inspirational Chorale, Honors College, gardening, cooking, volunteering

Career Aspirations: Secondary Education, School Counseling

In her own words:

Dear Ms. Caporaso,

I, April Vincent, am grateful to be named the 2020 recipient of the Virgil L. Baker Scholarship Fund, awarded by the Department of Communication in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas.

Thank you for supporting the Virgil L. Baker Scholarship Fund and my academic endeavors. It is truly an honor.

I graduated from Drew Central High School in Monticello, Arkansas in May 2017. I enrolled in the University of Arkansas the following fall, and I am currently a senior pursuing a double major in Communication and French.

So far, I have served as a resident assistant, peer mentor, and supplementary instructor. I am currently a member of the Honors College, Inspirational Chorale, and I have completed over 200 hours of community service while in Fayetteville.

Upon graduation, I plan to pursue a career in secondary education, starting at teaching and working my way up to counseling and possibly a position in administration.

COVID-19 has brought a significant amount of economic uncertainty to many lives, including my own. My father and boyfriend had both lost their jobs during this pandemic.

Thankfully, I secured a summer job at a local fast-food restaurant, and I am heading to an 11 hours shift as I write this. To say the least, this scholarship is a significant financial relief.

Thank you again for supporting this scholarship fund and for allowing me to finish my undergraduate education. I could not do it without you!

I will be following in your footsteps and establishing a scholarship fund for others once I can afford to.

Sincerely,

April Vincent

For more information about the Virgil L. Baker Scholarship Fund or to make a year-end gift to support the college’s students, faculty, or staff, please contact Fulbright College’s Office of Development and External Relations at 479-575-3712 or fulbright@uark.edu.