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Check in on our past recipients! 

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Jada Alexandar, 2018 Recipient

I graduated from Iowa State University in June of 2021. I completed my undergraduate degree in just a little under 3 years. I received my Bachelors of Science in Psychology with a biology minor. Upon graduation I accepted My first full-time job as a Domestic Abuse advocate with a victim service agency in Ames, IA. I transitioned to a Sexual Assault Campus advocate halfway through my year and half stay with the agency. I now work full-time as the Substance Abuse Prevention Mentoring Coordinator with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Iowa located in Clive, IA. While juggling my full-time employment I am also a full-time master’s student studying social work at Grand View University. I am planning to take the licensure exam next spring and graduate with my MSW shortly after. My long-term goal is to practice trauma-informed therapy within communities of color.

 

I want to thank the donors of the Harrell Foster Care Scholarship for allotting me the time to share my story but also supporting me in my venture through higher education.

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Macee Buss, 2018 Recipient

Since awarding me in 2018 I chose to use the monetary gift toward a laptop.  That laptop has helped me attend 2 years at Iowa State University where I was a cheerleader at ISU for football, volleyball and basketball games.  After 2 years, I decided to change career paths and go to cosmetology school, that laptop helped me complete 2 years of work to get my license in cosmetology.  The laptop then helped me draft a resume and apply to jobs which I landed and was hired by Leedz Salon in Ames, I also applied for coaching jobs and work coaching at the Middle School & HIgh School.  The laptop also helped me book 2 trips, one to Florida and one to LA California to take further education classes in cutting ethnic hair. When I was in foster care and later adopted I had no one there to help me with my ethnic hair so that has always been a passion for me to learn how to cut.  I also used the laptop to search for apartments as I have lived independently since graduating from high school. So as you can see the laptop has served me well and I have always looked at it with a fondness because I know it came from a group of people who supported young adults like me. 

 

I have gone from foster care to now living as a 23 year old successful educated and working young adult, which stats say 70% of my peers in "the system" never so THANK YOU for being a part of my story. I will never forget the inspirational messages from my banquet and also your kindness and love shown.  Thank you for continuing to give this opportunity to young men and women.

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Zach Issa, 2019 Recipient

In 2021 I earned my Associates Degree from Iowa Central Community College in Fort Dodge. I furthered my education at Iowa State University, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Liberal Studies in May of 2023. During my time at Iowa State, I actively contributed to the Iowa State Atheletic Department, holding various positions that enriched my understanding of the sports industry. I was awarded a prestigious full-tuition waiver from Louisiana State University (LSU), where I will pursue my Master's Degree in Sports Management. I am excited to begin my journey at LSU and I plan to be a graduate assistant in the LSU Athletic Department. I am excited to start this journey and make my way down to Baton Rouge in August. My ultimate goal is continuing to pursue a career in college athletics and work my way up to becoming a college athletic director. 

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