Before attending college, the number one piece of advice I received from everyone was to apply for as many scholarships as possible. While at times it felt daunting, I took the advice from those around me and did just that. Little did I know hitting submit on the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational (DSI) application would change my life forever.

The largest scholarship I applied for was DSI. I knew nothing would probably come from it, but I just wanted a chance to visit campus again before school began. Then the day to compete finally came. Walking into DSI was a nerve-racking experience. There were so many students competing, and I felt underqualified. While I had been a successful and determined high school student, I wasn’t the valedictorian and definitely not the student who had a 36 on the ACT. Even though I felt this way, I decided to give DSI my all. At the end of the day, I had nothing to lose.

When I came to Wichita State to compete, I was greeted by so many amazing people. The staff, observers, and other students were nothing but incredible. I met so many of my future classmates, mentors, and professors that day. Everyone was so kind, and I knew no matter the outcome of the competition I was so thankful for the opportunity to just compete. It was truly the day I knew Wichita State was the school for me. Little did I know a few short months later I would be named one of the 2022 Gore Scholars.

You! Yes, you reading this right now could also become a Gore Scholar just by hitting that tiny submit button. Believe in yourself and take a risk. You never know when it will pay off.

If my story and everyone around you telling you to apply didn't quite convince you, here are a few more reasons why you should apply for DSI.

While there are only three $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships awarded each year through the DSI competition, semi-finalists and finalists also receive scholarship packages. This means even if you don’t win the full scholarship, you could still walk away with an incredible scholarship.

The Harry Gore Memorial Scholarship is Kansas’ most prestigious and one of the largest annual undergraduate scholarships. This incredible opportunity is only given to Wichita State incoming freshmen. That means it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that every incoming freshman who qualifies should go for!

Throughout my day at DSI, I met so many people who would eventually become my best friends, classmates, coworkers and professors. This competition allowed me to come to campus on the first day of school and see so many familiar faces. That is something most college freshmen would never say about their first day. Overall, even if you make one connection and talk to two people the entire day it's still worth doing.

While not every single person who competes will win, every single person will walk away with priceless professional experience. Having the opportunity to be interviewed in a professional setting during DSI gave me so much more confidence to tackle job interviews. It gave me interview skills and tips that I still use to this day.

Even if you don’t feel like you are worthy of competing or have doubts about your speaking skills, go for it! I felt all these same feelings and have been in your shoes. You never know what will happen if you don't try!

I'll leave you with one piece of advice - don't compare. When you get in that room or while you're filling out the application it's so easy to compare yourself to others. There won’t be two students in the entire competition with the same background, upbringing or achievements, so don't compare yourself to anyone or any other applicant. You are unique and talented for your own reasons - let that shine through in your application and at DSI on Nov. 18!

Good luck to everyone applying! I never in a million years thought this would happen to me but here I am and it could be you too. Overall, the hardest part is hitting submit. Hope to see you on-campus for DSI. Go Shocks!