WHY WE SERVE: EMILY W. STUDENT TESTIMONIAL
Jul 27, 2016
Emily W.’s father passed away due to long-term illness as a result of serving in the Army. Though Emily was just three years old at the time, she still has vivid memories of him being a good-natured and loving father.
“I still remember him being my favorite person because he was the only one I would ever listen to,” says Emily.
Emily graduated high school in 2012 and through scholarships, was able to attend Texas A&M University at Galveston, from which she graduated in May 2015 with a bachelor’s degree in marine biology. She was then able to go back to obtain a second bachelor’s of science in marine fisheries and recently graduated this May.
“I am so thankful for my father and proud of his service because without him I would not have had the courage or resources to attend the University of my Dreams and study what I love,” she says.
Emily currently works at the university’s Shark Biology and Fisheries Science lab where she continues her research. Her ultimate goal is to get published and to go to graduate school for a master’s degree in fisheries management.
Emily’s father died defending our country’s freedom, something we tend to reflect on more during the month of July. His passing is a reminder that freedom is not free.
Fallen Patriots has helped over 640 scholars and provided more than $12.3 million in total assistance, including college scholarships, supplemental grants, and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.