Scholarship Recipient Udate
Kelsey McGrath

Hi!

Remember me?! I'm Kelsey McGrath, your 2008 scholarship recipient, and I'm writing to give you an update on my life! I arrived to the University of Illinois on August 21, and after some creative problem solving, I was able to fit all of my unnecessary belongings into the closet they like to call a dorm room. Classes began on August 25, and since then it has been a whirlwind.
This semester I'm taking Microeconomics, Business 101, Chemistry 102, Chemistry 103, Linear Algebra, and advanced Physiology. My load is certainly not light, but I'm keeping up! College is great in that there is a lot of down time for studying...and the occasional nap. I'm currently enrolled in the College of Business, but I plan on switching into a pre-med major, such as Molecular and Cellular Biology. Ever since I took AP Biology my senior year of high school, I have been considering going into the health field.
Not only have my academics been keeping me busy, but all of the various campus activities. I attended Quad Day the weekend after moving in. Quad Day is when all of the RSOs (registered student organizations) set up booths on the Main Quad and students can sign up for anything and everything! Clubs range from singing, to physics, to even pirates! I joined an Irish dance group called Identity, that meets twice a week and performs throughout the year. I also signed up for Habitat for Humanity, the Outdoor Adventure Club, and a few other campus service organizations. I'm also researching study abroad and volunteer mission trip options. The Foundation for the International Medical Relief of Children seems like a pretty awesome organization. They are planning trips to Peru, Uganda, and Costa Rica!
I just joined the Chi Omega sorority after two exhausting weeks of Rush. I never thought I would do a sorority, but I figured I would just try it and see what happens. I'm very excited to be apart of the Chi O's because they are just normal, down to earth women, and they are highly dedicated to their philanthropy, Make a Wish. Last year alone, they raised over $23,000 and were able to grant four wishes–hopefully, we will continue the tradition this year!
Anyway, I enjoy getting the Civil War Reporter every so often; it makes my feel connected! I want to reiterate how very thankful I am of the scholarship you have given to me; it means the WORLD. I do not plan on letting you all down! Thanks again!

Sincerely,
Kelsey McGrath

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