Claire Gurley’s college experience may have been a bit delayed, at least socially, due to COVID-19 leading to mostly online classes for students at all levels. It was an unfortunate outcome for many college students looking for a full college experience.
As the pandemic passed and students returned to classrooms, Gurley jumped in including her pursuit of a bachelor’s in Modern Language - Spanish, with a Minor in Music at Emporia (Kan.) State University. Part of that work also included her involvement in both instrumental and vocal music groups, as well as a number of other clubs and organizations.
“Aside from the monetary value, the Huhtamaki Save the Dream Scholarship allowed me more opportunities than I could recount,” Gurley said. “Unfortunately, COVID took away most of my freshman and sophomore years at college, so I missed critical things I was really looking forward to. When we got back, I was able to be involved with several of our bands and choir activities.”
Through the music programs, she made lasting friendships that have extended beyond college and took advantage of all the activities a great university experience provides. With the scholarship from Save the Dream, she received one more important advantage — the gift of time.
“Because I did not need to work, I was able to find new groups of friends who were diligently involved in helping me learn and use a new language,” Gurley said. “I was able to go to restaurants, bowling, roller skating, and so many more important social activities from the money I was able to save. I was able to advocate with my friends at their fraternity and help to organize and participate in their fundraisers and events. This scholarship gave me time to build relationships.”
Today, she works in the Olathe School District as a 1-to-1 ASL Para with, as she says, an incredibly bright Deaf Autistic student who has been instrumental in her recognition of heart toward the deaf community.
“Looking toward the future, I'm not sure I will ever stop learning,” Gurley said. “Each and every day I am grateful for my experiences at Emporia State, truly only possible through the Save the Dream Scholarship. Entering my degree program, my love of languages became clear. Socializing with my friends on their pursuit of teaching, my admiration of teaching also became clear.”
Like she said, Gurley will always work to learn more and future steps include pursuing a master’s in Special Education in Deaf/Hard of Hearing, continued exploration of language and of course music where she plays the clarinet, oboe, and sings.
In 2018, Huhtamaki introduced an innovative employee benefit called Save the Dream, designed to support the higher education goals of employees’ dependents. Through this scholarship and education assistance program, eligible dependents may receive up to $10,000 in financial aid to help make their academic dreams a reality.
Administered by Scholarship America, the nation’s largest scholarship manager, Save the Dream has already made a meaningful impact. To date, more than 250 students have received funding for education expenses — opening doors to new career paths and brighter futures.