Succeeding in College with Help from TWU

Thanks to the downturn in the economy and rising tuition costs, it’s getting harder for students to finance a college education. For almost 40 years, TWU’s Quill Scholarships have been making it a bit easier for members’ children.

That’s why a 2005 winner, Terianne Bernal of Florida, wrote recently to thank the union for its support. “I am truly grateful for the opportunities this award has provided for me,” Bernal wrote. “Despite the fact that I’ve had to rely on student loans and independent employment to help finance my education, this scholarship helped reduce financial burdens and provided assistance as I continued pursuing my education.”

(This year’s Quill winners were profiled last issue. Applications for 2009 will be available early next year.)

Bernal, the daughter of Local 561 Executive Board Member Antonio Bernal, has been living at home while she attends Florida International University. She notes that’s she’s the first in her family to attend college and is proud of making the Dean’s List and being a member of Alpha Kappa Psi, a professional business fraternity.

In a telephone interview, Bernal said her lack of aptitude in the sciences led her to abandon her hopes of being a veterinarian. Her job as a meal plan representative for the campus dining services has led to an interest in the hospitality industry and she plans to become an event coordinator.