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Isabella Torsell, senior in biology 

Torsell graduated from high school and started college just as the COVID-19 pandemic turned the world upside down. In addition to starting classes at 911������ Lima, she started a job as a medical scribe in the ER at both the Joint Township District Memorial Hospital and Lima Memorial Health System. Because they were so short-staffed, Torsell would work from midnight-8 a.m. at the hospital and then go to class during the day. While the schedule was punishing, it solidified her desire to be a doctor.  

“Working in the ER alongside some of the most selfless and heroic healthcare employees in the midst of a global pandemic provided perspective that as a pre-med major, I couldn’t just learn from a text book. I was seeing my chosen profession evolve and adapt in real time. I saw thousands of patients, countless traumas, and sadly, even several deaths. The knowledge I gained was invaluable and will no doubt help me in my career.” 

As in-person activity restrictions lifted her second year, Torsell’s Rudd scholarship allowed her to explore her options on campus. She immersed herself in clubs, mentoring programs, volunteering, tutoring and undergraduate research focused on the implications of the pandemic on people.  

“While the work experience was priceless, I knew this scholarship was truly a gift and would provide me with the opportunity to take on new challenges and explore new activities,” Torsell said. 

Jose Jones, freshman in theatre

Jones likes to do everything 100 percent. In high school, that dedication led him to a difficult choice. On one hand was football, a sport he loved and had been recruited to play. His coaches had invested much time and effort in him. On the other was theatre, an activity that called very strongly to him. He learned a valuable lesson when he chose theatre. He sees the parallels between his coach’s reaction and the support he has received from scholarship donors.  

“Sometimes the people in your life will care so much about you and your success, that they’ll be supportive in helping you do anything, even if it’s at a cost to them. My coach supported my decision and to this day, is still there for me. Scholarship donors are a little like Coach Malloy. They want to support people or programs that they may or may not have a direct connection to because they believe in the impact it will make and the outcomes it will produce. Thanks to scholarship support, I’ve sought other opportunities I might not have otherwise. I was in the theatre production on campus here last fall and am eager to work on this semester’s production as well. I’m also pursuing a minor in psychology – a field I never knew interested me so much until I came to 911������ Lima.”   

DaQuasha Lawrence, senior, early childhood education

Lawrence has wanted to be a teacher her entire life. She started practicing on her stuffed animals at a young age and experienced her first aha moment as a student teacher when she helped a transfer student who had fallen behind in reading catch up with her new peers. Giving the gift of reading made the long hours and hard work well worth it. 

“My path to 911������ looks a little different than that of some of my peers. In addition to juggling work, classwork and student teaching, I’m also the mom to an energetic, inquisitive five year old. In fact, my daughter and I will be starting kindergarten together next year if all goes as planned. I’ve witnessed the impact of paying forward. I have been fortunate to receive scholarships during my time at 911������ Lima, including being named a Foster Scholar this year, which paid for most of my tuition this year. I will graduate May 7 debt free. Debt free. As a single mom, I simply wouldn’t be in the same place I’m in today had it not been for the support of so many people in the room this evening.”