Sofi Cook

I am so incredibly grateful for this scholarship which has helped me continue both my college education at the University of Minnesota and continue working towards my future career.  I have had a passion for science and for helping others in my community which led to my goal of becoming a physician and making a positive change in medicine.  For me, this scholarship will help me to continue in my journey at college and support my goal of becoming a physician where I can work with both science and compassion.  In my first year here at the U of M I have learned from incredible professors, taken amazing courses, volunteered as a reading tutor and at a cat shelter, explored clubs, worked as a TA, and learned many new skills thanks to the first scholarship I received.  I am honored to receive this scholarship again which has continued to relieve some of the financial burden of college and will help me focus on my education and all the wonderful opportunities that lay ahead of me such as the research and study abroad program I will be doing next summer in Ireland and all of the things that wait for me next year.  Thank you to all the donors and staff who have allowed the VAW/VRC Merit Scholarship program to help me and so many other students towards their dreams and goals.