William Shearer III
2022 Letter
Thank you to the Scholarship Committee and the Board of Directors of the 3to1 Foundation for sponsoring my education with the 3to1 scholarship! Your generosity enables me to continue my education in Biology at UCF. Thanks to the 3to1 Foundation’s financial guidance and support I’ve been able to take the time to explore my previous major of Health Sciences (Pre-Clinical) and the career paths in the broader life sciences. Soon into this summer semester, I began to realize that my developing professional interests lay more on the research and laboratory side of medicine rather than the more direct clinical approach. Without the foundation assisting me in my financial stability, I may not have been afforded the opportunity to integrate these new perspectives into my future plans. It was a petrifying step to take in order to change the direction of my post-secondary education. The thought of not finishing my degree in time to benefit from the Bright Futures state scholarship program or the continued support from the 3to1 Foundation terrified me, as it would surely mean either not completing my education entirely or consigning myself to nearly insurmountable debt. However, it was because of the security and peace of mind provided by the 3to1 scholarship program that I was able to look at my future clearly and determine what work and area of study would suit me best. The side step from solely human science to broader general biology was the right choice for me, as it wouldn’t impede my graduation timeline and would fit my lifelong ambitions more effectively. I would likely be lost in a major and field that I wasn’t destined for had it not been for the 3to1’s generosity. I cannot state enough how much I appreciate the scholarship program for affording me this time in university.Back to Scholarship Recipients
2021 Letter
Thank you to the Scholarship Committee and the Board of Directors of the 3to1 Foundation, your generosity enables me to continue my education in Health Sciences at UCF!
Without the 3to1 Foundation’s financial guidance and support I would not be able to focus full time commitment to my studies this school year. I had been employed this past summer semester as a Clinical Transporter at my hometown hospital while still taking part-time courses and it was not easy. It showed me how difficult it can be managing a fulltime job and curricular responsibilities. With face-to-face classes returning to UCF this fall, I plan on adjusting to the new routine of attending courses on campus while searching for part-time clinical employment, volunteer opportunities, or research projects.
Without the Foundation’s support I would be facing a very different reality, worrying about paying for rent, books, and tuition. I would need to take on a full-time position while attending full-time school, regardless if the job is in my career industry. The 3to1 Foundation scholarship means that I can dedicate as much time as needed into my studies and that I have time to find work/exposure in the Health Sciences industry.
From the financial guidance provided in the 3to1 Foundation’s “Personal Finance Series” web course, I now also have a better idea of how to budget my expenses, manage my income, and how to stay away from debt. I can’t express enough how appreciative I am for the support given to me by the 3to1 Foundation.
2020 Letter
Thank you very much for the opportunities made available to me by your financial contribution to my future. My mother has been employed by Dr. Peter Gutierrez & Dr. Katherine Scures- Gutierrez for 30 years and through them has been associated with Cain & Watters almost as long. We were so happy to learn of the scholarship program your Board of Directors has provided to so many people, and of course, thrilled to learn I have been chosen as a recipient for the year 2020. In a time of uncertainty and missed traditions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this is a welcomed gift that has truly put a smile on the faces of my family and myself.
I look forward to meeting everyone through the zoom meeting ceremony to thank you all in real-time. Through your generosity, completing my bachelor’s degree is a step closer to becoming a reality. I do not think words can truly express how grateful I am. I will strive to make your contribution to my future one that is well deserved. I promise to work hard and always remember the investment you made in me. In the future, I hope to become a successful doctor that remembers to pay it forward in such a grand way to those in need.