My name is Nicole Kosarek '03 and this is my Southwestern story.

Getting into Southwestern and doing so with the help of scholarships and grants was my first miracle. Finding a way to financially support the remainder of my education my junior year became a new obstacle as I found myself maxed out on loans and student work hours as an RA and a "labbie." I was beginning to fear that I could no longer afford to stay at Southwestern.

Just when I was starting to lose hope, one evening I noticed Jake Schrum, still dressed up from a day's work, eating dinner in the Commons and enjoying a nice quiet meal. I somehow gathered the nerve to interrupt and sit down to tell him my story in hopes that he would have words of advice. He listened intently, made a few suggestions and told me he would see what could be done.

A couple of weeks later I ran into Dr. Schrum walking on the mall, and he stopped to tell me that he had found someone who wanted to pay the remainder of my tuition. He had been shopping in Salado, where a shop owner curiously asked what his job as University President entailed. He described the various responsibilities, but focused in on the importance of his relationships with students. He mentioned me and our talk, and the obstacle I was facing. The shop owner asked what I needed. "I'll do it," she said and was immediately willing to provide me the money that I needed. I couldn't believe it. My shock and amazement transformed into extreme gratitude and appreciation. Dr. Schrum held a lovely lunch in his office set up for us to meet, and I had the opportunity to thank this amazing woman for what she had done for me. In payment, I vow to someday do the same for a student in need. Talk about being in the right place, at the right time, with the very best of people.