Opportunity (noun): a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success.

What does the Hixson award mean to me?

In short, the Christina Hixson Award means opportunity. Opportunity is defined as a good position, chance, or prospect, as for advancement or success. Another definition is a situation or condition favorable for attainment of a goal. The Hixson award means opportunity to me because it provided me with the financial assistance necessary in order to seek further education; without the Hixson award I may not have had the opportunity to attend college.

The Hixson award also means community. The community of appreciative students and helpful staff all working together in order to make the most of our experience at Iowa State is incomparable to any other organization. The help available from the Hixson staff and peer mentors builds the sense of community. Everyone in the Hixson program is dedicated to providing help and services and inclusion for all the recipients, but especially the first year students like myself.

The Hixson award signifies leadership. The leadership opportunities available through the Hixson program and the references that the program can provide, give us Hixson scholars the jump start necessary to build character and our resume. Leadership is one of the few qualities that are looked at by all professionals and graduate schools; leadership can transcend occupations and majors and is a necessary area in which to gain experience. 

Hixson award means investment. To invest: to use, give, or devote (time, talent, etc.), as for a purpose or to achieve something. By investing in our future, Christina Hixson is investing by give her time and money to provide us with purpose and the ability to achieve something. The Hixson award is an investment that will have far greater impacts than just a college diploma for a few students; it's an investment that will last many lifetimes after her own. By providing us with the opportunity for a college degree she is helping to provide careers and motivation to make a difference in this world. 

Hixson is opportunity, community, leadership, and investment.