Calissa Smith - TBA Scholarship recipient turns “CSI”

Who would have thought a small town deer-hunting girl from Branchville, Virginia, would end up at Nebraska Wesleyan working on her Master’s degree solving cold murder cases?

All things are possible and Calissa Smith earned her bachelor’s degree from Mary Baldwin with a 3.936 GPA in biology in just three short years!

Smith’s original interest was to go into a medical field, but after discovering her interest in pursuing the criminal investigative side of the anatomy, she changed her mind.

Her change of heart began in her senior internship with the Staunton police, when she began working three days a week with criminal investigation and rode patrol cars on the night shift during weekends.  She shadowed court cases, including an attempted murder.   She toured a nearby crime lab in Roanoke and even wrote her senior thesis on DNA analysis.  All these steps piqued her interest even more in forensic science.  So she chose to take the next step. 

Having hunted during her teen years, Smith is interested in firearms and toolmark examination (foot impressions and tools), making impressions at the scene and trying to figure out the depression and what instrument caused it. 

After meeting a college guest speaker from the Miami-Dade County medical examiner’s office, Smith plans to work there this summer.  And, although she misses her family and was disappointed there was no similar opening in Norfolk this summer, she is working toward her goal.

Regarding her TBA scholarship, Smith noted that money is not plentiful in their family, as her dad is a farmer and her mom is an artist with Multiple Sclerosis.  The scholarship helped eliminate some of the financial stress for which she is most grateful.  Even though Calissa attended an all girls’ school which was more costly, she “wouldn’t trade it for anything” stating that she received a superb education.

As we can all see, this was another scholarship well deserved.

Jean-Louis Bile’ - There is no choice but to succeed

Even at early age, Jean-Louis Bile’ was driven to succeed.

When Bile’ arrived in 1997 from Africa’s Ivory Coast, his father had already been in the United States as a full time student.  It was during those difficult years, while his stepmother supported the entire family, that Bile’ vowed he would never repeat such hardship.

“When it comes to education there is no choice; it is what is going to get me through life,” said Bile.  “I have to be better or as good as the others in my family.”   

Speaking no English upon his arrival to the U.S., Bile’ was placed a grade below the level he had been in Africa.  However, within six months he was speaking basic English and adjusting to life.

With his past to serve as a tremendous motivator, Bile’ is now a junior at Virginia Tech. majoring in electrical engineering with a 3.91 GPA.

Feeling blessed for his good fortune in life, and deriving a great sense of satisfaction from helping others, Bile’ serves as president of the Society for Black Engineers  - assisting with student workshops that help teach minority minority high school students how to apply to college and prepare for SAT’s.  He has returned to his alma mater, Lakeland High School in Suffolk, to recruit students into technology and assist them in sprucing up their resumes.

In considering life after college, Jean-Louis wants to start his own consulting firm.

Possible Dreams

Allison Hastings’ list of accomplishments, too extensive for this short space, includes an USAA Award in Mathematics; the Association of VA Academies Forensics award; an USAA All-American Scholar Award; and the National Young Leadership Forum on Medicine – and the list goes on and on.

What gave her this drive? “I just wanted to do the best I could using the resources I had,” said Hastings, adding, “Education was stressed from early childhood and everyone always told me that if I worked hard, I would be able to go to any college.”

The oldest of five, Hastings helped care for her siblings, which ultimately led her to a career goal in the field of medicine.

For school, Hastings received a scholarship to Southampton Academy where she excelled. But, not being from a privileged background meant she rode the bus after school to her job at the Southampton County Courthouse and catching a ride home with an employee. During her summers she lived with her aunt in North Carolina and worked at a small retail company. The money she saved from these jobs now provides part of her spending money. 

UNC at Chapel Hill has been a smooth transition from Courtland, according to the freshman.  She is part of the Carolina Covenant, an organization that provides an opportunity for low-income families to attend UNC under a unique financial plan. The Covenant is also responsible for numerous programs for students to get involved and exposed to different career options. Being interested in medicine, a local physician is mentoring Hastings toward her goal of medical school.

Hastings commented that the TBA Scholarship has given her the opportunity to focus on education and the opportunity to attend college that would have, otherwise, been a dream. “The scholarship really makes my dream a reality and allowed me to work towards my goal and make a positive impact on the community,” stated Hastings.

Owes it all to mom

Ryan Brodie graduated from I.C. Norcom High School in 2003, third out of more than 250 students.

Growing up in a single-parent household, Brodie’s mom served as his role model – working two jobs to ensure their needs were met.

“I was taught to work for what I wanted, as it wouldn’t be handed down,” said Brodie, who during high school held part-time jobs while excelling academically, volunteering in his community, and holding leadership positions in school clubs and sports.

When reflecting on personal changes since 2003, he notes one of the greatest things he has learned is listening – heeding advice and applying it accordingly.

This spring, he will graduate from Virginia Tech with a bachelors degree in industrial and systems engineering. He is excited about graduation and looking forward to putting into practice all the things he has learned the past five years.

His capabilities have landed him a job with the Newell Rubbermaid Corporation where he will train in a two-year management development program. During that time he will change jobs within the company every six months and then choose one area to excel in with the goal of becoming a team leader.
 
The first in his family to graduate from a four-year college, Brodie said his mom most influenced his life, as she taught him that “I could work hard to make ends meet and to work smart and get ahead.”

Brodie work all five years in college, but noted his TBA Scholarship was of tremendous value as it provided recurring annual funds that saved him from having to borrow money.

His advice for future college students is that it is impossible to learn everything in class; so read the materials and don’t be afraid to ask questions.