BRAXTON BEUKE
MAJOR: Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering
SCHOLARSHIP: Oklahoma State University Emeriti Association Scholarship
HOMETOWN: Woodward, Oklahoma
CLASS YEAR: Senior
Who or what inspired you to go to college and why? Growing up, I did not have anyone in my immediate family that had been to college. When I was placed into more advanced classes going through school, I had to tackle them alone with the occasional help of a YouTube video. I knew I wanted to attend college, but I did not feel like I could place that financial burden on my family so selfishly. I continued to work hard in school as it made me eligible for more scholarships. (l also tried sports, and...l am not now--nor can I ever claim to have been--an athlete.) I have been able to complete nearly my whole degree in academic scholarships so far, and I am filled with thankfulness every time that I think of where I have come from. I was inspired to go to college because I wanted to carve out a more stable life for myself and my loved ones. I am closer to that goal each day and closer to a time when I can pay it forward to another student. What are your career ambitions? My major career ambition is fairly broad--to work on the space side of the aerospace industry. While it seemed like such a leap before college, my experiences at OSU have been valuable to making this goal more attainable. In the last three years, I have written proposals and presentations that have been read by NASA scientists and engineers, networked with space professionals and have been advised by an astronaut face to-face. These opportunities matter to me so much because I see them as pivotal points in my professional life. I can thank OSU's donors for bestowing them upon me. What advice would you give to an incoming OSU student? I would advise an incoming OSU student to embrace the business of the next four years. More often than not, college requires a lot of prioritizing to accomplish everything you want, but it is both satisfying and worthwhile. OSU will open many doors along the way because Cowboys value helping others. You will get there when you feed into it.
ALEXIS VAN PELT
MAJOR: Physiology and Biology, Pre-Med
SCHOLARSHIP: Oklahoma State University Emeriti Association Scholarship
HOMETOWN: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
CLASS YEAR: Senior
Why did you choose Oklahoma State? | chose Oklahoma State because there was nowhere else that quite felt like home. My father attended OSU, so I was at least obligated to take a look when I began the college search. I was unsure at first, but after touring the campus, I decided right then and there that I was going to attend OSU no matter what. I could not picture myself going anywhere else. The spacious campus and family-like atmosphere hooked me from the start. I have not regretted my decision for one moment and I cannot express how proud I am and how much I love being an OSU Cowgirl. What are your career ambitions? After I graduate, I intend to pursue a career in medicine. I am applying to schools all over the country, including to Oklahoma State's College of Osteopathic Medicine. Someday, I want to train to be an orthopedic surgeon and possibly teach at a medical school. I would love to travel abroad with Doctors Without Borders and serve communities around the world as well. I have a long way to go, but my dedication to academics has enabled me to grow and persevere toward my dreams. How has scholarship support impacted you? Scholarship support has impacted me not just financially, but emotionally as well. The generous financial gift is helpful in so many ways, but it is indescribably encouraging when I am reminded that so many people are rooting for me to reach my goals. To me, the gift not only assists financially, but it also shows that people that I have never even met are willing to invest in me. This is very heartwarming.