On Jan. 21, Cassidy Whitaker, sophomore, was one of about six students chosen by the Tampa Bay Business and Professional Women’s Association to be awarded a $500 scholarship.
Whitaker is a Political Science major and also has a minor in journalism. She is also a Contributing Writer and Political Columnist on The Lions’ Pride Newspaper. As Whitaker is one of Saint Leo University’s own students, The Lion’s Pride is proud to congratulate her on winning this prestigious scholarship award.
“I really couldn’t believe they chose me, but I was really grateful. I was so honored that such a prestigious organization chose me as one of the recipients for their scholarship. I also love being able to represent Saint Leo University. Most of the women that received scholarships were all from USF and HTC,” said Whitaker.
Wishing to make her dream of being a political journalist/analyst a reality, Whitaker regularly pursues scholarships through Saint Leo University’s scholarship resource pages. She believes that her studies, in combination with her position at The Lions’ Pride Newspaper, will help with this goal.
“It’s great to be able to do what I want to do in the future in college. It’s really great practice and a really great experience,” said Whitaker. “I would absolutely love to go on a campaign trail with a candidate, follow them, and cover them.”
Since the 2008 election, Whitaker had a major interest in politics and reporting on them. She was drawn into the world of politics and elections by her mother, who was very knowledgeable on the subject. The two of them followed the election together, with Whitaker showing more interest in the election as time progressed. Eventually, when then-candidate Barak Obama visited the Tampa Bay area for a rally, Whitaker and her mother attended to see him in person. The real-life appearance of Obama, and the ensuing result of the 2008 election, inspired and fascinated Whitaker.
“I was really young, so [at the time]I didn’t fully grasp how cool it [politics]was. But then he got elected, and I was like ‘Wow, I had only seen him just a short time ago,’” said Whitaker.
This interest would eventually become a passion that would guide Whitaker on her journey to success through perseverance. The Tampa Bay Business and Professional Women’s Association scholarship was a large step in this journey.
According to Whitaker, this particular scholarship was extremely competitive. The application process required a lengthy application and an activity resume to be completed. Multiple letters of recommendation were required as well.
Once she was chosen as a finalist, Whitaker had to travel to the Tampa Club in downtown Tampa Bay, where the award ceremony was held. This event, known as a “Networking Night,” allowed for both students and business representatives in the Tampa Bay area to make career connections. Everyone had a chance to introduce themselves over dinner.
It was during the dinner that each of the six finalists had to perform a speech addressing why they would need the scholarship money. Whitaker made the final speech of the event.
“[The speech] was terrifying. I thought that the speeches were the main event of the night, but it was actually right off the bat; I hadn’t even finished my salad and I had to go up there and make my speech,” said Whitaker.
Whitaker, in her speech, expressed why exactly she is determined in pursuing scholarships. Seven years ago this February, Whitaker’s mother had suffered injuries from a fall that rendered her completely disabled. Not long after that, her father was laid off from his job, leaving her parents without a steady source of income and their in-college daughter with less of a means to pay for school.
“It was a mental and emotional strain on our family. I’ve tried to get as much of my tuition covered by scholarship money as I can because I want to relieve them of that burden. I don’t want them to have to pay for my school anymore.”
In the future, Whitaker would like to attend graduate school and pursue a career in the political field.
