This student has demonstrated not only academic excellence and a heart of service but a passion for reaching her potential. In spite of the painful condition she was born with, Raia is determined to succeed and help many people through her studies and future career in pharmacy. Raia, we know amazing things are ahead for you.
Raia Potter
Raia Potter completed her senior year of high school in May. She’s been accepted to the University of Mississippi’s School of Pharmacy Early Entry Program as a Provost Scholar. She is extremely active in the Interact Club for community service and was recently invited to the National Art Honor Society. Raia was born with arthrogryposis type 2B, a rare disease that feels, as Raia puts it, “a lot like being hit by a bus every single day and immediately having to get up and continue with everyday life.” Yet as Raia shared in her essay, this isn’t what defines her:
“I am more determined by my disabilities than deterred by them. When I hear the word disabled, I think ‘different’. I don’t want to be different. I don’t think anyone who is disabled wants to be different. If I am an inspiration to others, I want it to be in spite of my handicaps, not because of them — to show others, both like, and unlike me, people with disabilities are more than their differences.”
At its core, Raia’s decision to pursue a degree in pharmacy stems from her deep compassion for others and her desire to help. “It’s a chance to be an integral part of finding the medicines, vaccines, and cures for these afflictions. It’s the opportunity to do something more meaningful with my life — something to make a difference,” Raia wrote in her essay.
For Raia, the Frances & Earl Perry Memorial Veterans Scholarship will help fund her education at Ole Miss and take her one step closer to realizing her goals. “The scholarship helps so much,” she says. “Thank you for helping people like me who have been struggling with disabilities reach their dreams.”
You can learn more about our scholarships and other resources online at College Scholarship.
Terms and Conditions:
Entry materials will not be returned to you. By submitting an entry for the Flora Marie Jenkins Memorial Disability Scholarship, you acknowledge that if you become a scholarship recipient, Marc Whitehead & Associates will own all rights to publish and promote the submission.
Publicity:
All applicants agree that they consent to the use of their name and city/state of residence, as well to the use of their likeness (as in a photograph) and award information.
Marc Whitehead & Associates’ RIGHT TO MODIFY, SUSPEND OR TERMINATE. In the event Marc Whitehead & Associates is prevented from continuing with the Scholarship Program by any event beyond its reasonable control, then Marc Whitehead & Associates shall have the right in its sole discretion to modify or terminate the Scholarship Program.