Dreaming big Succeeding big
Until I was admitted into the Valley Scholars program in seventh grade, I rarely thought about college except to tell myself, “College is just too expensive.” But someone else was thinking about it, preparing the way for me. Someone, somewhere, was willing to underwrite my education. They didn’t even know who I was at the time. Someone knew that I was less likely to go to college and find a passion and career path that would allow me to make a difference in the world. That’s exactly what each and every one of you has done and continues to do. You all aren’t just giving us financial aid. You are giving each of us the courage to live out our visions for ourselves and how we will bring to the world our own revolutionary change. From day one, almost 10 years ago, President Alger told us to “Dream Big.” I’ll never forget that. Today I also have the confidence — built throughout these past four years as a Duke — that I can and do have the world in my hands. Despite financial and socioeconomic challenges and no family college tradition, I’m standing here as a JMU graduate . I’m ready to take the next step. Thank you. Kaitlyn Good (’23) B.S., Nutrition and Dietetics JMU graduate student
2015: Kaitlyn as a Valley Scholar
2023: Kaitlyn as a JMU graduate
Watch Kaitlyn’s full speech to donors and see other scholarship stories. ➔
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