University of Findlay Awards Full Tuition Scholarship to Local Student

Jared Hill was one of several dozen students invited to the University of Findlay’s Leadership Scholarship Competition Day on January 21. Each student invited had obtained a score of at least 23 on the ACT, or 1140 on the SAT, and were invited to complete group activities that showcased their ability to work collaboratively, while also highlighting their leadership skills. All students who attended were awarded a $1,500 scholarship. However, Jared would be awarded the top prize—a full scholarship to the University of Findlay.

Jared is a senior at Arcadia Schools but is also attending Millstream Career Center’s Teaching Professions program. His dream is to study primary childhood education and become a teacher, but surprisingly, that wasn’t always his goal. “I was going to become an engineer, so I signed up for a Computer Aided Design (CAD) class through Owens Community College,” Jared said. Despite being a quiet, hard-working student, Jared started to fall behind in the class, watching much chattier students pull away on their projects. “That was my sign that engineering might not be for me,” Jared said.

Jared began classes at Millstream, and found his passion for education and teaching. When Jared arrived on University of Findlay’s campus back in January, he knew he was going to study education, but was still deciding between two local private schools. During his visit, he stated, “I was driving in my car on the way here, stressing about the event. ‘What am I going to say?’ ‘How am I going to say it?’” By the end of the day, Jared had put everything he had into his interview and participation. “When I walked out to my car after the event came to a close, I felt like I had presented myself in the best way possible.” Jared also said that he had been recognized during the event, and received a few compliments, leaving him feeling confident.

Days continued to pass as Jared went back to Millstream and awaited a phone call. After finishing an event at Millstream, he noticed a text message from his admissions advisor with the University of Findlay. “When would be a good time to talk on the phone?” the message read. As he drove to his grandmother’s house, he began to connect the dots and the excitement began to grow. With his mother and grandmother nearby, Jared took the phone call and placed it on speakerphone. “When they broke the news, I was beyond thrilled, but the faces on my mom and grandma were what really made that moment for me! They were so happy and so proud. I felt like I really achieved something that day,” he said.

The next person Jared called was his dad. The conversation then switched to making a decision. Would Jared attend a small private school similar in size to his high school that graduates 50 kids per class, or would he attend the slightly larger University of Findlay? “My dad and I did some talking the next day after school and getting out of my small-town comfort zone is going to be the best way for me to grow as an individual and as a professional,” Jared said. “I plan on majoring in education, and without knowing exactly what size school I’ll end up teaching in, I feel it’s necessary to familiarize myself with somewhat of a larger setting.”

Jared is not the first in his family to attend college, nor is he the first to attend University of Findlay. “My grandmother worked at UF as a housekeeper, my aunt pursued a degree in biology at UF, and my brother Jacob obtained his doctorate in pharmacy at Findlay.” Jared has made the decision to become an Oiler himself, committing to attend the University of Findlay in the Fall of 2023.

“What excites me the most about coming to the University of Findlay is how many opportunities they offer for student life. Whether it be the several clubs and activities they offer, or the events they put on that give chances for socialization, I’m looking forward to building great connections with my fellow students,” Jared said. While excited for his journey to start, he’s still a little nervous. “I know a larger environment is going to be vital for my personal and professional growth, but that doesn’t make it any less daunting.”

Thankful for the University of Findlay for providing him with the opportunity, and for selecting him to receive a full tuition scholarship, Jared had several others he wanted to thank. “I just want to say thank you to my mother, father, stepmother, and the rest of my family for encouraging me to try my hardest to reach my goals. They always have my back and I know I wouldn’t be where I am today without them.”

For more information on the University of Findlay, please visit www.findlay.edu. For a list of majors and academic options, including undergraduate and master’s degrees in Education, please visit the academics webpage.