Come fall of 2008, after years as a camper and later a counselor-in-training, Jesse packed his bags for another important trip –– he was on his way to the University of Florida to begin his first semester as a music performance major.
At ten years old, Jesse couldn’t have predicted that his camp experience would play a part in his college career years later. But in 2008, Jesse received scholarships from both the Florida Elks Youth Camp and the Elks National Foundation to help fund his education. As one of Florida’s State Major Projects, the Youth Camp is funded in part by the Elks National Foundation.
Thanks to his father’s active involvement with the Elks, Jesse received a $1,000 Elks National Foundation Legacy Award. This scholarship is available to children and grandchildren of Elks members in good standing.
“My father has been an active Elk for many years. He always kept my younger brother and I involved in whatever the Elks were doing,” Jesse recalls. “Because of him, the Elks have always been a part of my life and I am sure they always will be.”
Just as he did at summer camp years ago, it’s easy to see that Jesse is thriving in his new college environment. He has quickly adjusted to living away from home, and enjoys his coursework and his professors.
“I want to learn as much as possible before I leave college,” Jesse explains. “I know I will only get one shot, and I’m not going to waste it.”
And Jesse is certainly making the most of his time! His love of music led him to choose tuba performance as his major. Aside from his full course load, he plays in three bands at school, including the basketball pep band. Following his undergraduate career, Jesse hopes to cash in on his science skills by earning a graduate degree from the University of Florida College of Pharmacy.
His dream job? A position in a lab doing pharmaceutical research, with the time and money to practice his music on the side.
“Achieving a degree in Medicinal Chemistry will allow me to become a musician without being a starving musician,” Jesse jokes.
This career will involve making better versions of existing drugs, experimenting with new medicines and studying their side effects. Because he’s always enjoyed chemistry, Jesse feels that a career in pharmacy is the best way to utilize his skills and interest in the field.
This summer, Jesse will return to the Florida Elks Youth Camp, working again as a counselor-in-training. He always feels at home among Elks activities!
“The Elks have been a part of my life for as long as I can remember,” Jesse says. “They’re the best organization I know of. My life has definitely been touched by the Elks, and I know a lot of other people’s have, too.”
With his ambitious goals and eager spirit, it’s safe to assume Jesse will touch a lot of lives himself.
In 2009-10, the Elks National Foundation allocated $1 million to fund scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Elks. If you know an Elk child who is a high school senior, encourage them to visit www.elks.org/enf/scholars.