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Scholarship Helps Student Finish on a High Note

Panther Student Tells His Story

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Mason Meyers

"Without the scholarship, I would not have had the extra funds necessary to cover costs while student teaching." —Mason Meyers, senior music education major with a jazz emphasis

My name is Mason Meyers, and I am a senior from Waterloo, Iowa, majoring in music education with a jazz emphasis. I chose UNI because the music faculty is top tier, the music and education facilities are the best in Iowa, and it is close to home.

I am receiving the Helen Harderson/Shirley Haakinson Hewlett endowed scholarship during my fifth year of college, the year in which I am fulfilling my student teaching requirement. Because of the scholarship, I was able to accept an out-of-state student teaching position and gain extensive knowledge and opportunities without worrying as much about money. The scholarship covers a good part of my tuition and living expenses for the five months I am in Minnesota.

My experience at UNI has quite possibly been the most fulfilling of my life. I have had the opportunity to work with outstanding faculty, make important social connections and hone my craft. The music and education departments have been great in guiding me on my path as a music educator, and I will be in contact with my mentors and advisers for years to come.

There have been opportunities presented to me that otherwise would not have been possible had I not received the Helen Harderson/Shirley Haakinson Hewlett endowed scholarship. I am working with a toptier band program at Rosemount High School in Rosemount, Minnesota, where I am essentially acting as a fourth director. I have met many directors in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area, so if I decide to apply for teaching positions in the Twin Cities, I will have the experience and connections to be a successful music teacher.

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