Opening Doors
SPRING 2023 - Hannah Dennis said choosing to attend Baylor University was one of the best decisions in her life. Getting to Waco, however, took a little bit of time.
"Baylor was one of those dreams I had for many years, and I knew I was going to do whatever it took to reach for the stars and make Baylor my home," she said. "College hasn't always been a practical next step for previous members of my family. Therefore, being able to represent many generations of my namesake with a degree from Baylor is something I hold near and dear to my heart."
A first-generation college student from Cedar Park, Texas, Hannah describes herself as a proud transfer student, and points to Baylor's challenging academic environment and caring community as two of the reasons she felt drawn to the University.
"I cannot help but be so thankful that Baylor is the home I chose," she said. "The professors and Christian environment here cultivate such a warm and welcoming atmosphere."
GRATEFUL FOR DONOR'S GENEROSITY
An education major, Hannah has been the recipient of the Glennis McCrary Goodrich Scholarship in International Studies, as well as several other sources of financial assistance.
Like many endowed scholarships at Baylor, the Glennis McCrary Goodrich scholarship fund was established through a planned gift. Over the years since its creation in 2001, it has supported many students who participate in a study abroad program. For Hannah, receiving the scholarship opened doors that would have otherwise remained closed to her.
"Study abroad is often not pursued because of financial need. I knew that if I wanted to expand my education through an international exchange program, I'd need some extra funding," said Hannah, who spent a semester studying at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. "For the first time in a long time, I was able to fully focus on school and my experiences abroad rather than worry about how I'd be able to fund my studies."
Today, Hannah is eager to graduate and begin applying the experiences and education she has obtained at Baylor to working as an elementary teacher.
"Through Baylor's School of Education, I've been given endless opportunities to research, experience and become better prepared for what my future career will entail," she said. "My educational experience has been made possible by the people who made the kindhearted decision to give to Baylor students like me."