SI Yachts Positive Values Scholarship Program Essay
Gabrielle Matuszewski


Ever since I was very young I have had a plaque on my desk which reads, "She believed she could, so she did!" I often look up at it when I am studying for my classes in Medical Laboratory Science and it always gives me the inspiration to push on no matter how difficult the subject matter. My work ethic is one of perseverance and overcoming obstacles. I have applied this work ethic not only in my approach to my classes at university but also to my classes throughout elementary school and high school. My grades have always been very good because I put in the time and effort to study and understand the material. I have been selected as a member of the National Honor Society in High School and have also been selected to the Presidents List and Dean's List at both Delta College and Saginaw Valley State University where I am studying for my bachelors. I also worked especially hard to be selected to the pom pon squad for four years in high school and at my university despite personal challenges.

My efforts in and out of the classroom have been recognized by local organizations and by my teachers and doctors. My doctor at the University of Chicago (Dr. Issam Awad) who is the director of the CCM Clinic, had the following to say about me, "Most remarkable is how Gabrielle has surmounted the few limitations imposed by her medical condition, and refused to let it define her. In fact, she has thrived academically with perfect G.P.A. and countless honors and recognitions. And she has pursued several volunteer activities, reflecting her heartfelt altruism. Her commitment is pure and contagious, and I have no doubt that she will thrive and succeed, and help us change the face of medicine. This young woman reflects the most noble values of humanity, and deserves our utmost support."

Because of my hard work and dedication, I have received several scholarships which have helped me pay for my tuition and other expenses so far. To date, I have not had to take out any student loans and it is my goal to finish my bachelor's degree without being hampered by crushing student loan debt. This semester, I will be moving from my parents home in to campus housing and even though the cost will be higher, being closer will enable me to participate in more campus activities and become even more involved in campus life and open the door to potential research opportunities on campus.

Even though I was born with scoliosis and cerebral cavernous malformation (CCM3), I have never let it hold me back and by putting in extra effort and working hard, I have been able to achieve great success. My current GPA at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU) is 3.56 even with organic chemistry! Yuck! As a member of the pom squad, I was selected most dedicated, most improved and outstanding focus by my peers. I am also highly organized. So much so, that when I was in 6th grade, my teacher hauled all the students into the hallway to see what a locker should look like. All my books and supplies were meticulously arranged, color coded and easy to access. It was a little embarrassing at the time but, when I look back, it makes sense because I still believe that organization is a key to achieving success. I have also been involved in several volunteer activities to help young students learn to read, assist with clean-up efforts at the women's shelter, help at the humane society, served as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army and participated in local food drives, just to name a few. I also work part-time while going to school at a local candy shop to help with some of the incidental costs associated with going to school like transportation costs, books and supplies and Starbucks (a must have!)

The positive values that I apply to my life are dedication, perseverance, honesty, caring and helping others, responsibility and laser focus. I believe that I can be a role model for other girls coming behind me when they see that no matter the obstacles, success is directly proportional to the time and effort you put in to achieve your goals because after all, I believe I can, so I do!

Click HERE for proof of enrollment at SVSU.