Maria Blangiardo

Year: Sophomore
Major/Concentration: Pre-nursing

Online romances rarely work out, but when Maria Blangiardo researched Baylor via the Internet, she knew it was the place for her. The feeling was confirmed when she attended orientation and found out how supportive this tight-knit community could be.

Maria enjoyed her first year at Baylor, but when it came time to apply for financial aid for her sophomore year, she did not qualify for as much aid. As one of seven children from a single-parent home, Maria knew she would be responsible for making up the difference in her aid packet.

The Allison Gidel Lord and Jarrod A. Lord Endowed Scholarship enabled Maria to return to Baylor, where she has been able to get involved in a variety of activities. Maria appreciates the fact that without the generosity of other members of the Baylor community, none if it would be possible.

"I can't even describe in words what it has meant to me," she said. "Every bit helps. It's amazing how things come together to make it all work."

Maria looks forward to the day when she will be able to give back to the community that has provided so much for her own education.