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Scholar Spotlight: Jinni Dingel

School: Iowa State University || Major: Early Childhood Education

Jinni is majoring in Early Childhood Education. If she could give any advice to someone who is applying for the Bright Scholarship, it would be to dig deep and be honest about who you are, where you are, and what you want to become. Scroll to read our full interview with Jinni and discover her favorite study spot!

What is the most interesting thing you have done or are planning to do to explore or gain experience in your career field?

The best part of my program has been taking part in each of the practicum experiences, both on and off campus, where I get to work with children of many ages and developmental stages. Being greeted by 15 rambunctious, smiling preschoolers each morning at the lab school is definitely a highlight of my day.

What advice would you give to someone who is considering applying for the Bright Scholarship/Lois Dale Scholarship?

My advice for anyone applying for this scholarship would be to dig deep and be honest about who you are, where you are, and what you want to become. My honesty of myself, I believe, is what helped me gain this scholarship because it allowed me to be vulnerable enough to express what I needed to be successful in the future.

What do you like most about your school?

What I love about Iowa State, especially the School of Education, is the culture. Of course the campus is beautiful, but the people here are so much more. The professors genuinely care about us and our success, both in our careers and in our personal lives. Knowing I have a support team both at college and at my workplace with ISU Dining makes walking around campus so refreshing.

What is your ideal study environment?

For some reason, I study best when I’m sitting in a booth. I’ve found a second home in the booths of Perkins at 10 p.m. Endless drink refills and stacks of pancakes have gotten me through many long nights of studying and writing lesson plans.

Who is your biggest inspiration and why?

My high school English teacher, who I now consider my adopted mom, has been my biggest inspiration since I met her a few years ago. She solidified my desire to pursue education as a career and gave me the extra love and support I needed to apply for this scholarship. I wouldn’t be where I am today without her.

“My first year in college has been amazing. I was able to get involved with intramural sports, Iowa Wishmakers and Dance Marathon because you took the financial burden off my back and allowed for me to get the most out of my college experience. I’ve been able to focus on school and not worry about working which has allowed me to get the most out of my education. I was also able to fulfill one of my dreams before going to college; I was able to pay for a child’s Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World with my graduation money because of your generosity and covering the expenses of my education. This first year has been great and I cannot wait for the next three years. Thank you Bright Scholars of Iowa!”

“This is a great community of scholarship recipients to be part of. The scholarship has improved my life in so many ways – not only by allowing me to graduate debt-free in just eight semesters, but also by providing a support system and a network of other Bright Scholars.”

“As I finish my sophomore year, I am grateful that I have received the Bright Scholarship to help me achieve my goals. My grades have been good and I am proud that I’ve been making Dean’s List. I attended the Engineering job fair to target companies for a summer internship. After being offered two, I chose Nutra Flo, a liquid fertilizer manufacturer in South Dakota. I’m excited to see what I will learn and how much I know out in the real world of Mechanical Engineering. Thank you again for awarding me the Bright Scholarship. Thanks to the Bright Foundation, I have been able to attend ISU without the burden of deep financial indebtedness. It has allowed me to experience ISU but most importantly, I have been able to study in order to do well in my classes. It is because of the Brights — they had a vision to help young people in Iowa achieve higher education. I am excited to be a part of that vision.”

“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.”

“I would like to take this time to thank you for your contribution towards the scholarship I have been granted through Indian Hills Community College. I will be attending Indian Hills with a major in psychology. I then plan to transfer to a four-year college and potentially graduate school after that to continue my education. Thank you again for your contribution and the endless possibilities you have given me!”

“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.”