Reflections From 2005 Scholars

---

Robert A. Biggers Jr
My first year of college at South Carolina State University absolutely flew by. The first year was exciting, challenging, rewarding, and a wonderful growth experience. It's hard to believe the first year is over. I survived, and now I'm ready to start my second year as a sophomore.
The college experience is definitely nothing like high school. It¹s the first time away from family and friends, having to rely on values and beliefs in making choices with the selection of new friends and relationships.
My first year of college brought me growth in social and cultural awareness. However, I was able to get into the groove with my schedule, my studying habits, golf game, and traveling with the team. I'm sure that my sophomore year will be even more enlightening, empowering me to mature and prepare for my place in society.
Thank you for your support and assistance during this past year at South Carolina State University.



Jared Williams
The past year has been really trying times for my family and everyone in the Gulf Coast region. However, golf has been a welcomed respite due to the recent natural disasters in the forms of hurricanes. I enrolled into Hampton University in the fall of 2005 where I began my college education. There were many adjustments to be made moving from high school to college: learning to do things on my own, getting along with roommates, and most importantly, time management (golf, school, social life etc.). I will be entering my sophomore year as English Arts major at Hampton University in the fall of 2006.
This summer I interned with Judge Charlotte Bushnell at the Office of Worker's Compensation in Lake Charles, LA. I was hoping to gain more of an insight to the legal career and hoping to assure myself that this was the best career choice for me. My summer with Judge Bushnell reaffirmed my belief that a legal career was a good decision.
I have been working very hard at re-tooling my golf game, and I am expecting a breakout season at Hampton in 2006. My summer tournament play has taken me all over the south and even as far as Ohio for The Midwest hosted by the Midwest Golf Association.
Last year, the Michael J. Berkeley scholarship meant so much to me and my family. It was an honor playing in last year's tournament and meeting so many successful minorities. The tournament had a great impact on my life because I am a firm believer in the old notion "seeing is believing." Every time I saw a successful businessman, it only made me want to strive harder, envisioning myself one day pulling up to Westchester Country Club in the finest vehicle. Aside from the wonderful contacts I made, the scholarship assisted with the costs of my education. I am quite sure that with the unexpected expenses of Hurricane Rita, it would have been very difficult for my family to continue to put me through school. It has been a blessing to be a recipient of the MJB scholarship, and I would like to thank the foundation for making me an MJB scholar. I will continue to keep you updated in all of my endeavors.


Lisa Newton
Thank you, Michael J. Berkley Scholarship Foundation!
My name is Lisa Newton, and I am a previous scholarship winner. I just wanted to take a few moments of my day to truly and sincerely thank you for what you have done for my family. Receiving the scholarship last year was a blessing. The scholarship not only supported me throughout college financially, but also mentally. My family and I were relieved of the pressures of thinking I may have to work while attending Florida State University, full-time located 4 hours away from home.
The difference between the Michael J. Berkeley Foundation and other scholarship foundations is apparent once one has spoken to Ms. Lourdes Berkeley. This Foundation feeds a thriving legacy of an amazing and courageous man, Mr. Michael J. Berkeley, Lourdes Berkeley¹s husband. Being a recipient of the foundation scholarship makes me feel like I have joined a family, and like I have been graciously given a piece of Mr. Berkeley. This piece of Mr. Berkeley has changed my life for the better and will live inside me forever, for not only being God sent, not only investing in me, but making me part of the family.
Thank you, MJB Foundation,

Sara Young

My name is Sara Young and I was a recipient of the 2006-2007 Michael J Berkeley Foundation Scholarship. I am extremely grateful for your generosity and support and I cannot thank you enough for what this scholarship means to me, my education, and my family. I am entering my third year at Florida State University and I am also a member of the FSU Women’s Golf Team. I’m doing well in both golf and school and was named to the Dean’s List for three consecutive semesters last year.

Since I am not a scholarship athlete, I would not be able to attend my dream university and work toward my goals without support from the Michael J Berkeley Foundation. On top of being a student athlete, I am actively involved in the community and last year completed over 75 community service hours. I am also an intern at the university’s Sports Information Department and spent my summer in the office honing my writing, editing, and interviewing skills.

As a Michael J Berkeley Foundation Scholarship recipient I feel extremely blessed to have been selected and I want to thank the foundation, it supporters, and its sponsors for the generous contributions that have supported me in my academic endeavors. I consider your generous gifts one of my greatest blessings. Additionally, I want thank the foundation for selecting me to attend the annual tournament at the gorgeous Westchester Country Club. Staying at such a beautiful and historic location, meeting all of the amazing people involved in the tournament, eating dinner at the famed Winged Foot Golf Club, and so many more wonderful memories will stay with me forever. It was an amazing experience that I will never forget.

Last year my family and I were at a crossed roads, either I was going to have to move back home and attend our local university or I was going to have to hope for a financial miracle that could help support my dreams of attending Florida State and playing college golf. The Michael J Berkeley Foundation was my miracle and I am eternally grateful.