When I tell people that both my parents attended and met at Baylor, I feel a sense of pride because then people associate the rich culture and tradition of Baylor with my upbringing. But just because my parents went to Baylor did not mean I was going there. It was not until my mom convinced me to tour Baylor that I considered applying. Once I researched Baylor more and realized how it had everything I was looking for in a college, it was the only school I applied to.
The aspect of Baylor that I looked forward to the most was joining the Outdoor Adventure Learning & Living Center (OA-LLC). The OA-LLC brings together people who have a common interest and houses them together on campus. After the first year in the LLC, I had made so many friends and enjoyed living on campus so much that I wanted to return to the OA-LLC again the next year. The problem with returning was that I would have to live on campus, which is the most expensive housing option. But because of the Legacy Scholarship, I was able to mitigate the cost of living and stay in the OA-LLC. Because of the OA-LLC and the help of the Legacy Scholarship, I lived on campus while earning my undergraduate degree (and loved it), found my future husband, and earned a position as the Graduate Assistant of the OA-LLC, which helps with my graduate-school tuition.
Without the Legacy Scholarship, I probably would not have stayed in the OA-LLC, which would have lessened my Baylor experience. When I received my BA degree (in Anthropology) and as I continue my education at Baylor through the Masters of Public Health program, my gratitude for the Legacy Scholarship grows.
The Baylor Alumni Association has distributed more than $212,000 to 55 deserving Baylor legacy students since 2011, including $27,000+ to 42 students for the fall semester of 2014. In this segment of our continuing series, we bring you Tara Brynell’s story — in part to remind you how terrific — and appreciative — our current crop of Bears are, in part to rekindle some memories and bring a smile to your face, and in part to encourage you to contribute to this important program. Your donation will help us continue to offer these scholarships — hopefully with larger amounts for these legacy students. If you’d like to donate, please click here.
