TC’s Presidential Scholarship application is currently open

Texarkana College’s Presidential Scholarship application is currently open for area high school seniors who want to land a spot in the Honor’s College and earn college credit tuition-free. The unique scholarship program offered through the TC Foundation, provides high-achieving high school students with a scholarship award that fully covers the costs tuition, fees, and books for up to 60 semester credit hours- or the first two-years of college. The Presidential Scholarship program is more than a financial award, it is a pathway toward academic success that provides a new college student with a cohort to study together, to participate in campus and community events, and to learn how to be leaders in their chosen fields of study.

An interview with TC freshman Jayce Calloway, a Health Sciences student, provides insight from a new student’s perspective of what its like to be a Presidential Scholar and part of the TC Honors College.

Tell me about yourself. Where are you from? Where did you go to school? Your family? What do you like to do for fun outside of school?

Hi! I’m Jayce. I was born and raised in Queen City, Texas, and graduated from Queen City High School. When I’m not studying or working, it’s safe to assume I’m probably roaming the isles of T.J. Maxx, indulging in a good TV series, or spending hours planning out my entire life on Pinterest.

What semester/year student are you at Texarkana College and what degree/certificate are you completing?

I’m a first-year student at TC working towards an associate degree in nursing and will begin nursing school next fall. Afterwards, I will continue my education to receive my BSN and then attend school to become a Nurse Anesthetist.

Why did you choose TC? What was the specific motivating factor that pushed you to accept the Presidential Scholarship?

I chose TC for a variety of reasons. I was never the “I HAVE to get out of this town” sort of gal. My family is my everything, so I wanted to be here to see my siblings grow up, spend all the time I can with my grandparents, and grow stronger bonds with my parents. However, I feel that the specific motivating factor was the financial stability I could have while attending TC, and even afterwards. It’s really hard to turn down the Presidential Scholarship. I now have the financial freedom that I would not have had going to school hundreds of miles away.

What is your academic program like? What are your classes like? What are your instructors like? What do you enjoy about the Honors College program?

Being in the Health Science program has been a dream so far! My classes are focused toward the study, research, and knowledge of health and the application of that knowledge to improve health-anatomy and physiology, microbiology, all the fun stuff. My instructors have all been incredible so far, I have zero complaints! My favorite part about the Honors College is how driven the administrators are to see you succeed. They want us to have a clear plan and pathway for our future. It’s refreshing to see so many people truly care about your success!

What career or specific job are you trying to obtain by completing the program you are in at TC? What would you like to do after you graduate from TC? What is your dream job or ultimate goal?

By attending TC, I am trying to obtain an associate degree in nursing and become a registered nurse. Then, I will begin working as an RN while going to school for my BSN. I need two years of experience in the ICU before applying to CRNA school, so I will complete those two years, apply to the school of choice, and soon after earn certification as a Nurse Anesthetist (DNP).

If you could offer any advice to a student considering going to school, considering applying for the Presidential Scholarship and Honors College at TC, or choosing TC as a place for education, what would you say?

DO IT! There’s no better time than now to further your education! Going somewhere far away for college is not for everyone, and even if you think it’s for you, apply anyway. You never know what could happen.

For more information about applying for the TC Presidential Scholarship, go to https://www.texarkanacollege.edu/financial-aid/scholarships/. The scholarship deadline is April 30, 2021.