Scholarship really does make a critical difference for OU students

By Dan Bodene, contributing writer

Applications are now being accepted for a scholarship at Oakland University that has an entirely appropriate name, according to a recent recipient.

Georjeana Dillard-Parker was awarded the 2010-2011 The Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship, and she said it did indeed make a difference in her life.

“In addition to assisting me financially, being a recipient of the Critical Difference Scholarship increased my self-esteem and confirmed my aspirations to become a social worker,” Dillard-Parker said. “Being granted this scholarship meant that other individuals believed in me, my desires, and capabilities of becoming a social worker.”

The Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship is awarded each year to a single head of household – female or male – who has had their education interrupted for at least one year. Applicants must have earned at least 16 credits at the university level with a cumulative GPA of at least 2.50. Awards are made by The Women of Oakland University Critical Difference Scholarship Committee.

For the 2011-2012 academic year, the application deadline is Saturday, April 16, 2011. Applications for the scholarship are available from The Women of OU website scholarship page or from the Financial Aid Office.

Dillard-Parker will finish her studies in social work this summer and graduate with a bachelor’s degree. In the meantime, she is working part time at Catholic Social Services in the Parent-Child Program, which promotes early literacy and helps increase parent-child bonding. In addition, she is an intern at the St. Francis Family Center, a foster care and adoption agency. She somehow finds the time to attend classes at OU, around the 48 hours per week of “part-time” work.

Her degree from Oakland isn’t the end of her education, however; she has applied for admission to several graduate schools to obtain a master’s degree in social work.

“While I am a fairly confident person, it’s a great feeling when others believe in you and are willing to support your academic achievements financially,” Dillard-Parker said.