As we approach the end of the spring semester, University Housing Services is pleased to announce this term’s recipients of the Resident Assistant and Community Assistant (RACA) Academic award. The RACA academic scholarship is presented to resident (RA) and community assistants (CA) who exemplify success in the classroom, as well as in the RA/CA Leadership role. This semester, five $500 academic scholarships were awarded to outstanding students.
Known as a “ball of energy and positivity” by peers, Manchester Hall RA Katie Fuchs has been named a recipient of the RACA academic scholarship.
“Being granted this prestigious award acts as a badge of honor for me,” says Fuchs. “Knowing that I am someone they purposely chose based on a number of factors just goes to show that what I am doing in my life at the present time is generating constructive moments not just for myself but for others around me.”
Fuchs reflected on the impact of the scholarship on her academic and personal endeavors and expressed gratitude for being awarded the funds.
“I would equate earning this scholarship to having someone pay for your order in a drive thru,” explains Fuchs. “Because life can be so insanely brutal at times, but it is moments like having someone pay for your items at the drive thru, without them knowing much about you, where you become all the more pumped and exuberant about what other surprises life has in store for you.”
Fuchs noted the influential role models in her life that have helped her get to where she is today.
“I’ve had an incredible number of mentors and role models over just these few years in college. … In terms of those who are employed at Illinois State, I would have to say my residence hall coordinators, Steph Alvarez-Rivera as well as Raven Stamps,” says Fuchs. “Both of them listen to me and force me to talk about myself. I still keep in touch with Steph, even though she is not physically present on campus anymore.”
Financial awards such as the RACA academic scholarship are made possible by the generous support of our community. Head to Giving.IllinoisState.edu for information on how you can contribute to student success.
