LINDSAY PERKINS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS

LINDSAY PERKINS SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS: COURTESY OF OSU

MICHAEL WILLIAMS

MAJOR: Construction Engineering SCHOLARSHIP: Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa Endowed Scholarship Honoring Lindsay Perkins Development HOMETOWN: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma CLASS YEAR: Senior

Why did you choose Oklahoma State? The main reason for choosing Oklahoma State University was for the degree program. Other universities offered Construction Management but OSU offered Construction Engineering; I felt this was a better option for me. Before deciding on OSU I was able to speak with some faculty and staff and the impression I got was of professionalism, dedication, and genuine concern for the curriculum and wellbeing of the students. I knew then OSU was the right fit for me.

How did you become interested in your major? As a child I grew up helping my father remodel our home. I've continued this practice with my own houses I've owned. My interest in all types of construction and having the opportunity to start a second career, I've chosen to return to school to earn my second bachelor's degree in Construction Engineering. There is no better way nor better time than now for me to seize the moment and jump into the construction field.

What advice would you give to an incoming OSU student? I would advise incoming students to focus on their studies, put them first and create a strong work ethic. Be teachable and understand your strengths and weaknesses. Don't wait too long or be embarrassed to ask questions or seek tutoring. These are tools that will make you better and more proficient in your classes. This will translate into a better employee once you graduate and move into a career. Be flexible and have a sense of pride in all your school work, especially those classes that may be considered easy. School takes grit, find it, and set goals you can strive to achieve.

Because of you… “I will be able to focus more time on my studies and less time worrying on how to pay for school. The direct benefits of this scholarship translates to more time studying allowing me to producing higher grades from a better understanding of class content. Because I will have a better understanding of the material, I can directly use this knowledge in my future construction career. You have provided me with more purpose and accountability to not let you or myself down. I sincerely thank you for your generosity.”

Michael Williams

26-85600 Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa Endowed Scholarship Honoring Lindsay Perkins Development

ALEJANDRA LOZANO

MAJOR: Construction Engineering Technology SCHOLARSHIP: Home Builders Association of Greater Tulsa Endowed Scholarship Honoring Lindsay Perkins Development HOMETOWN: McKinney, Texas CLASS YEAR: Sophomore

Who or what inspired you to go to college and why? Ever since I was a little girl I've been interested in the design of buildings and the construction of buildings. I had a different upbringing than most of my peers, and what I mean by that is that I have a twin sister who is autistic. I grew up around the special needs community. Due to growing up around that community I've been able to have a different perspective and view on life. Seeing my sister do what looks like little things outside of the special needs community, like learning how to tie her shoes or learning her phone number has truly inspired me. The special needs community is the hardest working and most determined people in our society. By being around this community I've been able to see the things the community needs most, one of them being access to affordable housing. My interest in construction and buildings in general has allowed me to find a career path and goal that I'm passionate about. My main career goal is to start my own company that will design and build accessible affordable housing for people with disabilities. So, I guess the short answer is my twin sister and the special needs community inspired me to go to college.

What is your dream job? My dream job is to be the owner of my own company who designs and builds affordable housing for disabled people. My main focus on that company would be on the special needs community, but since there is a lack of affordable housing in general I would also like to design and build housing for people who are low-income.

How has scholarship support impacted you? Scholarship support has greatly impacted me. My family is considered to be middle-class, which means I didn't get very much support from financial aid. Due to having a twin sister who is disabled and my family having a lot of health issues, a lot of our income goes to medical expenses. I'm very grateful and lucky to have a mom who can help me pay for college. That being said, this scholarship will allow me to continue being a student here at OSU. The scholarship will also allow my mom to take out less in loan money, which the money that would be going to my

Because of you… “I've been able to continue down my pursued career path of Construction Engineering Technology. I hope to use my degree to help others. Having a twin sister who is special needs has allowed me to have a different perspective of the world. I've particularly been able to see the things the special needs community needs, like access to affordable housing. I hope to one day own my own company that designs and builds affordable housing for people with disabilities. Your generous donation will help lessen the financial burden my family is in.”

Alejandra Lozano

loan would instead be going make to my mom which would help pay for other expenses.