Bailey Halpin: 2016 Jordan McFaull Scholarship Winner

My last four years at the University of Kentucky have been everything I hoped for and more. In addition to many life-long friendships and memories, I have received a remarkable education that will be used throughout the rest of my life.

When I arrived in Lexington in the Fall of 2016, I was completely overwhelmed by the number of opportunities available to UK students – clubs and organizations, athletics, Greek Life, etc. I quickly got involved in groups such as Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, Wildcat Service Dogs, Trew Friends, and The Red Shoe Crew. As a freshman, I intended to pursue a career in healthcare. Dental and Physician Assistant schools were the frontrunners; therefore, over the course of two years, I completed several classes related to general and organic chemistry, biology, and anatomy.

Like many other college students, my career path changed as I learned more about a variety of majors.  After completing basic accounting, finance, economics, and marketing courses during my sophomore year, I developed a passion for the field of business. From that point forward, I began working toward a degree in Marketing with a minor in International Business. The knowledge and expertise I gained since joining the Gatton College of Business and Economics will, undoubtedly, have a positive impact on my future as a businesswoman.

I am now in my final semester, and I feel fully prepared to take on the real-world thanks to my experiences and academic guidance from the University of Kentucky. Currently, I am in the process of applying and interviewing for full-time career positions. I would like to eventually return to school for my Masters in Business Administration. Ultimately, I hope to secure a role in a company that allows me to work with a purpose and use my capabilities to make a lasting impact.

With that being said, I have more to thank than just the University of Kentucky for all that has happened in my life over the last four years. The education and experiences at Beechwood Independent Schools are the backbone of my current and future successes.

Furthermore, attending Beechwood afforded me the opportunity to apply for the Jordan McFaull Scholarship in my year leading up to college. Being a recipient of this award did more for me than I could have imagined.  It gave me the ability to join clubs and organizations and to acquire the learning materials needed for classes; however, it did much more than cover monetary costs. As the first recipient of this award, I made it my goal to represent Jordan and his family in a way that would make them proud. When I was granted this scholarship in 2016, I stated the following:

“I am extremely happy to represent the accomplishments of Jordan and everything he stood for – academics, leadership, and volunteerism. I look forward to continuing my academic career while keeping in mind the qualities that Jordan displayed and using them to influence those around me, just as he did.”

I believe that what I said four years ago has carried with me throughout my UK career. I have maintained a 4.0 GPA, held various on- and off-campus leadership positions, and made volunteering a top priority. There is no doubt that these successes came, in part, from the inspiration I learned through Jordan’s life and this scholarship. Jordan was an incredible brother, son, friend, and student, and I am honored to play a small part in keeping his spirit alive.