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Giving Thanks: Scholarship Helps Journalism Major Reach Goal of Working in Non-Profit Communications

by | Jan 11, 2023 | Faces of Fulbright, In Their Own Words, Scholarships, Student Success

This January, 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 Madelaine Richardson, who thanks to the John Rosso Endowed Scholarship, is one step closer to her dream of working in non-profit communications, marketing and writing.

John Rosso Endowed Scholarship Recipient Madelaine Richardson

Madelaine Richardson

Madelaine Richardson

Name: Madelaine Richardson

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Anticipated Graduation: 2025

Major(s)/Minor(s): Journalism Ad/PR

Activities/Interests: DisabiliTEA party member; writing

Career Aspirations: Non-profit; marketing manager; reporter … along the lines of writing, interviewing, and publishing.

In her own words:

Dear Mrs. Rosso,

My name is Madelaine (Lainey) Richardson. This fall I will begin my sophomore year at the University of Arkansas. Although I am a native resident of Dallas, it has been such a pleasure to join the Razorback family.

I am looking forward to starting my third semester as a Journalism – Advertising / Public Relations major. I am incredibly grateful to have been awarded the John Rosso Endowed Scholarship Fund this past spring.

I am confident the department chose incredible candidates, including myself, to further the excellence to which the journalism department is committed.

As my generation strives to achieve greatness in the world, we are grateful for the opportunities granted by University of Arkansas. Because I believe college is such a vital part of each person’s development, and not simply the classes one attends Monday through Friday, I chose service as an important part of my college experience.

I served with the Volunteer Action Center, logging 44 total hours of service. I dove into the Multicultural Center’s programs, including helping champion the new Students Against Racism. Additionally, I was a Child Care Intern for Canopy NWA this past semester, the only refugee resettlement organization in the greater area.

I believe authenticity is key, which informs and equips me to be a suitable journalist for the world in which we live. These attributes make me unique:

  • Motivation: volunteer participation, grades and school involvement demonstrate high motivation.
  • Inclusion and Communication: my experience helping people, specifically people with disabilities, gives me the skill set to be able to assist any person that might walk through our doors!
  • Leadership: executing on various positions of leadership demonstrates I lead people well in the midst of success, as well as trials.

Working with people is my passion, and is what encouraged me to pursue AD/PR. My desire is to work for a non-profit organization or company whose goals are inclusion, sustainability, and representation.

I want to use my voice to advocate for and share others’ stories. Being awarded this scholarship was a huge step in this process.

I would like to close by saying thank you again. I chose the University of Arkansas because I believe I have and will contribute my own gifts and education to the university and community.

I have already accomplished such goals, during just my first year on campus, and am ready for more. Woo Pig Sooie!

Sincerely,
Lainey Richardson

 

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