Erika Leary was 24, a single mother in her freshman year at Ivy Tech and “feeling intimidated and way behind in life.” When she received a flier in the mail about the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars program, she was inspired by Nina’s story and felt “the scholarship was meant for someone exactly like me.” She applied and later cried when she received the acceptance call. “I was so happy. I’m a first generation college student. Becoming a Nina Scholar gave me an entire support system … I had tutors, I had counselors, and I wasn’t going to come out of college buried in debt. Truly, this has been the greatest blessing of my life.”

Erika will receive her associate degree in radiology in May 2017. “I beat out 100 applicants for one of the 15 spots in the radiology program,” she says, “and I hope to transfer to IUPUI and earn my bachelor’s degree after I graduate next spring. Then, I will be able to further my children’s lives in such a meaningful way.” She speaks with gratitude as she explains the scholarship provides her with the support of its amazing coordinators, development workshops, meetings with community leaders and entrepreneurs, and a sense of family through its cohorts. “I’m overwhelmed by the blessings I’ve received as a Nina. It hasn’t changed my life, it has made my life.”