The scholarships not only eased her financial burden but also gave her the confidence to focus fully on her studies and campus involvement.

“These scholarships relieved a lot of financial stress, allowing me to focus on my schoolwork,” Lily shared. “They changed the way I thought about life, changed how I act, and changed my mindset. I am so thankful for what I have gained through these scholarships.”

Lily is majoring in Kinesiology and plans to become a physical therapist. Along with her academics, she’s an active member of the Band of Gold Color Guard and the Baptist Student Union, finding community and purpose in both.

She said the scholarships support she received through the MGCCC Foundation and the Band of Gold have been a source of encouragement and hope. “It can be hard to focus on academics and the future when it feels like finances are holding you down,” Lily said. “I would 100 percent recommend all students apply for scholarships. College is possible.  Sometimes it just means having the confidence to apply for scholarships.”

Her advice to anyone considering MGCCC is simple but powerful.  “Just do it scared,” she said.  “Apply for scholarships scared, go out and meet new people scared, and know that one day it won’t be scary anymore.”

The MGCCC Foundation provides vital scholarship opportunities that help students like Lily overcome financial challenges, pursue their passions, and realize their goals. For Lily, that support has meant much more than tuition assistance—it’s been a source of motivation, growth, and gratitude.

“I am the student I am today because of the love poured into me from both of my scholarships and the people at this college,” she said.