Recently, Professor Brian Gilsdorf, of my Tax Help Colorado Practicum (ACC 133) accounting class, announced a scholarship opportunity for students who participate in the Tax Help Colorado program.

A program of The Piton Foundation, Tax Help Colorado offers free tax preparation assistance to families who earn less than about $55,000 a year, helping to ease the burden of commercial tax preparation costs on low-wage earners. The program was launched in 2007 to help link even more Colorado families to valuable tax credits such as the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit. Not only was I interested in the volunteering for this program, but I knew to receive a scholarship for that work would help me immeasurably.

I have always heard the word “scholarship” and for many years; however, I thought that a scholarship was only offered to talented or superstar students. But with extra encouragement from my professors, I decided to figure out how it worked and see if I could qualify.

The scholarship committee required I write a statement of purpose essay. I had no idea how to write an essay until I started my Business Communication and Reporting Writing (BUS 217) class with Professor Lynn Wilson.

Additionally, fellow CCD student, Sean Quayle, guided me on how to write my essay effectively and correctly, and as a result, I am a recipient of the scholarship based on my desire to give back to the community. I could not have accomplished this wonderful achievement without the support of my professors and CCD staff!

This achievement encouraged me to reach for more opportunities I have in front of me, and it also gave my family insight into how Community College of Denver has already impacted my life as a student.

I would like to urge any student out there who is hesitant to apply for scholarships to push on and simply try! There’s $1 million worth of scholarships offered at CCD and they can be for all types of students.

Also, if you are interested in becoming an effective business writer, I’d recommend learning more about our business courses and program at CCD.edu/Business.