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Meet Leah - Director of Scholar Engagement

Meet Leah, our newest Director of Scholar Engagement! Leah is excited to work with each scholar to help them navigate their college experience. Hear more about her role by reading her full interview!

Where did you get your degree from?

I went to undergrad at Iowa State University and grad school at Buena Vista University with a Master’s in Education and Counseling. I am also a certified teacher, school counselor and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

What is your role as the Director of Scholar Engagement? What are you excited to do in this role?

I am excited to begin my role as Director of Scholar Engagement and to work with each scholar to help them navigate their college experience. I enjoy working with students and helping them find their passion and turning it into a career.

What is your favorite way to waste time?

Right now, I spend a lot of time taking my two children to all their various activities. However, when I have free time, I enjoy reading, taking my dog on walks, and watching anything on Netflix.

What your biggest advice for scholars as they go through college?

My advice to scholars is to never be afraid to ask questions. Also, take the time to enjoy and explore your passions and interests because life is too short to only focus on the serious stuff.

“During college, the Bright Scholarship allowed me to focus on school instead of working multiple jobs to stay afloat. In my three years since college, the same has been true – instead of being forced to worry about accepting any job just to pay my student loans, I’ve been able to chase (and land) my dream job!”

“I want to personally thank the Bright Foundation for this year. I would not be nearly as successful without their financial support. I come from an incredibly humble background and the financial stability they have given me in the form of this scholarship has allowed me to commit my highest potential to my classwork. They are the reason I am the student I am today. I have tried to carry the Bright Foundation’s values close to my heart this academic year. I worked extremely hard and devoted much of my outside time to volunteer work. I cannot put into works how grateful I am for the opportunities this foundation has given me. They have laid the groundwork for all of my current and future success. I plan to celebrate these values, and this foundation for the rest of my life.”

“I am and always will be eternally grateful for what you have done for me and what you’ve done for others. It’s truly amazing how two special people, Lois and Dale Bright, could be so generous in helping others out. I truly aspire to be like them, giving out of generosity and expecting nothing in return. As college rolls on, I get more and more excited to become a teacher of mathematics, not just to teach young adults math, but also to challenge and aspire them to be better people. Without your help though, I am not sure any of that would be possible. For that, I am truly thankful. For now though, I will continue on in college, doing the best I possibly can do and doing my best to represent the Bright Foundation well. Thank you for all you do again, and God Bless.”

“Being a Bright Scholar means being part of a family that is selfless and giving, and which strives to provide a better future for today’s youth who, in turn, will contribute to society.”

“I’m a student at DMACC and this award is extremely helpful and appreciated. All this past semester, I’ve been working and going to school while barely making it by. This award will give me the chance to focus on school more. I am so honored to receive it and I am so thankful there are people like you to help college students, like myself, out. I plan on finishing up school and becoming an elementary teacher. The scholarship will help me get one step closer to that goal!”

“I would like to thank you for your contribution. Without your help, it would be difficult to attend college and pursue my dream career of being a veterinarian. I am extremely honored and hope to give back to foundations like this one day.”