Affordability with Keiandra

Transcript

Okay, now let’s head over and meet Keiandra over at the Multicultural Center here on campus. Keiandra is a sophomore majoring in psychology with a minor in women’s studies and anthropology. She’s gonna talk to us about the affordability factor here at East Tennessee State University Keiandra, you are on.

– Hey guys. When I first started looking into colleges I wasn’t really sure where to start. I knew that money would be a big factor because I was paying for college on my own. I originally wanted to pursue athletic scholarships to play college volleyball and was in the middle of the recruitment process when I found out about the Roan scholars leadership program and began looking into ETSU. The Roan is a four-year scholarship program intended to develop leaders from our region and positively impact our campus and our community. By providing us with unique experiences and connections I would have the opportunity to Excel in and out of the classroom. With the promise of graduating debt free it was an opportunity I can never pass up and has led me to an unbelievable college experience. Once I got to ETSU I can no longer see myself anywhere else. My scholarship program gave me an immediate set of friends to start college with and our directors provided advising that made the transition from high school to college so much easier. Throughout my time at ETSU this initial support system has remained present and expanded to meet my needs and allow me to grow personally and professionally. Being a part of a community at ETSU has taught me a lot about expanding my comfort zones and reaching for goals that will truly allow me to grow as a student and as a leader. This past summer I participated in my leadership group summer service initiative. During the summer after our freshman year, each scholar spend six weeks in a service-based internship and I was able to use mine to help my hometown with the effects of the pandemic on education. I tutored grade school students and helped my former high school with canceled events like prom and graduation. ETSU has also allowed me to surround myself with other student leaders and given me the opportunity to learn from a diverse group of individuals with varying talents and interests. ETSU has given me the opportunity to have a well-rounded college experience without financial burdens. Because of my scholarships I’ll be one of many students to graduate debt free from ETSU. Our university provides multiple opportunities for affordability. ETSU recently reset out-of-state tuition rates so that it’s more affordable than ever to attend ETSU as an out-of-state student. For Tennessee residents we have special programs like ETSU promise plus that offer financial assistance and unique first year experiences. ETSU has been one of the best decisions of my entire life. And if I had to do it all over again I would. Alex, back to you.

– Keiandra, great job. That’s fantastic. The experiences you’re having here along with the affordable costs is just a great story. Thanks again for sharing that. Cheers.