Scholar Stories

Silvana first came to live in the United States as a college student at Brigham Young University. Her mother had also graduated from BYU, and wanted Silvana to follow in her footsteps. As a schoolteacher, Silvana’s mother placed a high importance on education and worked hard to send her children to reputable American schools in the family's home country of Guatemala.

Silvana's undergraduate education was made possible through a large scholarship from BYU. She loved her college experience in America, where she got involved in student organizations and made friends easily. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Silvana wanted desperately to continue on to Physical Therapy school at nearby University of Utah.

Because she was not an American citizen, however, it was impossible for her to get a federal student loan. The interest on private loans was just too high to make it worth the expense; she planned to return to Guatemala after finishing her studies, and the loans would have been impossible to repay on a third-world salary. She reluctantly moved home, thinking her dream would never be feasible.

Four years later, Silvana met an American man who worked for Delta Air Lines and was traveling around South America using his Delta benefits. The two fell in love, married and moved to the United States.

“After we got married, my husband encouraged me to apply for Physical Therapy school. But I told him I didn’t want to go unless I didn’t have to take out too many loans. I didn’t want to risk having a huge amount of debt when I graduated.”

When her husband learned about a scholarship for Delta employees and their families*, Silvana immediately applied. Now, thanks to the $1,500 renewable scholarship she received from Delta, Silvana is attending the University of Utah and working towards her Doctorate in Physical Therapy.

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