Announcing our 2015 Scholarship Recipient – Anthony Zhao
June 2015
Anthony Zhao will begin his studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign this fall. He has been awarded the 2015 PBKACA Scholarship. We are thrilled to provide assistance to this young man who we know has a bright future.
Anthony provided PBKACA with the following letter:
Dear PBKACA:
I was able to meet the other finalists for this same scholarship and we discussed simple matters-where we would be attending college and activities we participated in throughout high school. When I left after my interview session, I was uncertain if I would be the recipient of the award based on the credentials of the other finalists. The organization however saw something in me that I hope I can live up to, if not exceed their expectations. I am grateful for being chosen for the Phi Beta Kappa Award and my thanks cannot truly be expressed.
I had been a very naïve child. In elementary school, the smaller student body made friendships easier to come by. I went into high school thinking that the atmosphere would be the same. It soon became quite apparent that I was wrong; I found myself alone quite soon. I had to ask myself, what is it that I want? I concluded that I had to gain friends in order to eliminate this loneliness. One day I heard school announcements about the track team and figured it was worth a shot and it was one of the best decisions of my life since it brought me friends. I see the value of extracurricular activities and I will dip my feet into many more in college.
I will be attending the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for business for the 2015-16 school year. I hope to be selected into their accounting program when I am able to apply. As a student at UIUC I have high hopes for the future because my past has taught me who I wish to become and that someone is proactive. Proactive me intends on being involved more throughout the school and community. I am looking to devote more of myself to the community. This world is shared but the circumstances differ per person. Some are born more fortunate than others so any aid goes a long way to those who are in need. Furthermore there are problems with our planet’s health and the environment can use all the help it can get. I am uncertain what exactly I may end up doing in regards to service but I am going to make sure I help in some way. By being a recipient of the Phi Beta Kappa award, it helps me facilitate my interest in helping the community more while receiving a great education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Anthony Zhao
PBKACA 2015 Scholarship Recipient