Student continues lifelong hobby with the help of scholarship
Every youth has gone through a rock-collecting phase at one point in his or her life, but the temporary craze almost always wears off as newer hobbies arise. However, for Emily Erhart, a geo-engineering student in the College of Science and Engineering, this childhood hobby quickly morphed into an occupational calling.
“I chose this career path because I have loved being outside, camping, and collecting rocks my whole life,” Erhart explained.
An undergraduate senior from Inver Grove Heights, Minn., Erhart chose the University of Minnesota because of its convenient location and excellent reputation for her future career field.
“A huge factor was the scholarship I received for my academic achievement, which made the U of M my best choice financially,” she said.
Erhart received both the Mike Costello and Andrew Drescher scholarships, allowing her to continue her education without having to worry about money.
Erhart’s involvement on campus in leadership roles such as the President of the Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration, and Secretary for the Mortar Board National College Senior Honor Society, in addition to being a member of the Tau chapter of Alpha Omicron Pi and the U of M Geological Society allow her to pursue her aspirations while still in school.
Because her scholarships have allowed her more time to pursue her career goals instead of working to pay for tuition, she has been able to make important connections for the future that she would not have made elsewhere.
“These scholarships are helping me to turn a lifelong hobby into a career that I’m passionate about as well as pay for tuition that I would otherwise be taking out loans for.”
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