Amanda Mitchell: Scholarships Bridge Dreams to Reality

	"Scholarships made it all possible!" Learn how you can invest in the dreams of students like Amanda.

For a small-town girl from Splendora, Texas,
Amanda Mitchell has come a long way in every form and fashion.

Baylor University is only about a three-hour drive from her hometown, but without scholarships and a lot of hard work, it might as well have been light years away.

Describing Amanda's family and financial situation as "difficult" barely skims the surface. At times, she worked six part-time jobs at once to help
with family finances.

However, in December 2007, Amanda became the first person in her family to graduate from
college—and she plans to change the world.

"A college education gives me the chance to make things better, and that is all I ever
wanted—the opportunity to succeed," said Amanda, who earned her degree in political science and international studies. "Scholarships provided a path for me to realize my dreams and goals and to be an agent of change in the world. I feel I can really make a difference now."

Because of scholarship assistance, Amanda was able to study in countries ranging from Turkey to the Netherlands. She also traveled to Washingon, D.C., and Montana for an internship with the Senate Committee on Finance. Because of her experience in Washington, D.C., Amanda solidified her plans to attend law school and pursue a career in public service.

"I want to become a successful leader who will make a difference in others' lives," Amanda said. "I pray that one day I can influence another person's life the way the donors have
influenced mine."