Close to 300 students applied to Westwood’s 2013 PATH to Success scholarship, an annual program that rewards students for planning and taking action toward obtaining a career. As is the case each year, one student rose to the top to earn a $10,000 Platinum Scholarship award.
This year, that student is Rachel Gora, a Criminal Justice student at the Chicago O’Hare Airport campus. Rachel is in her last term at Westwood and sits poised and ready to pursue a position in the field of law enforcement.
Rachel won the Platinum award due to her high level of involvement both in and outside of school. She is active in school associations, has secured an internship in her field and continuously networks with students, faculty, staff and industry leaders. The steps she has already taken to prepare for her career, coupled with her passion for the industry, made her the clear winner.
“Being a shorter female, I totally want to take on the big guys!” she laughs. “No one in my family is in law enforcement, so I’m kind of paving the way and going off to do something completely different. But it’s what I want to do, so I’m excited.” She adds that her family has been incredibly supportive throughout her entire college career.
Rachel’s willingness to excel is demonstrated by her 4.0 GPA and involvement in the O’Hare campus’ Criminal Justice Association, which offers a chance to network with other students, faculty and members of the community. “Since I do not have direct experience in the field, I want to make sure that I keep every avenue open to me,” she said.
While it may seem routine, Rachel emphasizes the importance of staying connected with her career services department. “I’ve met with my career advisor on a regular basis so she has gotten to know me and what I am capable of. This has put me at an advantage because when job opportunities arise, I am one of the first people she thinks of to send out my resume. She has even helped me with interviewing skills to ensure I make the right impression. Typically, employers know within the first 30 seconds whether or not they want to hire the candidate.”
Rachel also sought an internship as part of her training. “Employers want someone who is motivated. It’s not enough to just have a degree… employers want people with experience. Internships show employers that the student is willing to go out, learn and get what they want.” In addition to some valuable experience for her resume, her internship showed her the inner workings of a police station, giving her some insight into her possible career. “It was a lot fun to see the police officers interacting with the community.”
In addition to her field internship, Rachel works in Westwood’s career services department as a student assistant, which has offered her another advantage. “I’ve seen firsthand what it will take to transition successfully into my respective field.” She also works part-time as a security guard and will be able to increase her responsibilities in that role, once she has her Westwood degree. Ultimately, Rachel has set a personal goal of working toward a profession with the FBI.
Rachel is a great example of a Westwood student who is taking control of her future success. Simply showing up to classes and taking the tests isn’t enough – she is making the most of her college experience and enhancing the value of her degree. “I understand the value of utilizing all resources available to me and have consistently committed myself to my own success. I know that in order to move forward, I have to prepare for meaningful work before graduation day and I am doing exactly that by taking advantage of every opportunity.”
More About Westwood College’s PATH to Success Scholarship
Now in its fourth year, the purpose of the Westwood College PATH to Success Scholarship program is to reward enrolled students who are taking control of their future through dedicated career planning and action. The program awards nearly $70,000 in total annually and has an application deadline in May of each year. If you have a career plan and are taking action on it to ensure you get meaningful work when you graduate, you are encouraged to apply next spring.