To Mr. and Mrs. Dan Witt,
Firstly, I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to further my education in honor of your daughter, Jennifer. Her story is heavy on my heart. I recently lost my grandmother, who always encouraged me to pursue my dreams, and would have written her own letter of thanks when I let her know. Like Jennifer, my grandmother was always trying to help further our education in any way we let her. Even in support, she pushed us to do more and follow dreams that seemed so unreachable.
Currently, I am a college student pursuing creative writing, with a passion for theater and science. Like Jennifer, I am a creative writer. However, my educational journey hasn't always been easy. Growing up in the White Mountain Apache Tribe, I faced challenges that truly tested my passions. I am a first-generation college student, which made it hard to really understand the process of it all. Though these challenges shaped who I am today: resourceful, hardworking, and persistent. I had a knack for the bigger scenes, and with a little backlash from my community, I left. I traveled from New York to Oregon to Alaska. Through discovering the world, I discovered more about myself. I found a love for theater, but was always drawn to writing. Out came a passion for playwriting. I love a good non-fiction story, but creating something that can be more accessible and widespread through my work is the goal. As well as taking classes for creative writing and theater, I am studying to become a radiologist. With this stabilization in the medical field, I hope to be able to pour myself into creative writing and theater.
Through my travels, I have been very fortunate to meet mentors/professors like Jennifer. They're truly rare. My professor's name is Cathryn Klusmier, and she was the first person who truly believed in me. She told me that I could be something through my writing, that my voice mattered. If I applied myself and didn't give up, those far-stretched dreams, for a young native girl, could be achieved. It's because of her that I believe in myself. It's because of her that I created a website dedicated to my non-fiction work. It's because of her that I’m writing a book of my own to help my community, just like she helped me. I know Jennifer was just the same. I’m sure there are students out there pursuing their dreams (like I am) because of her hard work and encouragement. Having someone you can rely on and counsel you through this time is so important for students' well-being and success. What a beautiful thing she has done. Touched students' lives, being a part of their success even after life. She's leaving behind a legacy of kindness, encouragement, and inspiration.
Receiving this scholarship is not only a financial blessing, relieving some of the burden that tuition brings, but also allows me to focus on my studies. It is a reminder that hard work, passion, and dedication are recognized and valued. More importantly, it motivates me to continue striving for excellence and to give back to others, like Jennifer did. I hope to one day support and encourage students in my own community, helping them realize their potential and achieve their dreams. I believe that combining a stable career in the medical field with my creative pursuits will enable me to make a lasting impact, both in my tribe and beyond. With your support, I am one step closer to achieving these goals.
Thank you once again for your generosity and for keeping Jennifer’s memory alive through this scholarship. I am truly honored to be a part of her legacy, and I will carry her spirit of encouragement and compassion forward in all that I do.
With deepest gratitude, AnnMarie Hill
