Brittany Sanchez
Brittany Sanchez of Hawthorne, California, has been named the recipient of the Hero Behind the Hero Scholarship. She is currently self-employed and serves as her mother’s caregiver.
“During my time as a student with CSU, I have received my associate and bachelor’s degree, maintained a 4.0 GPA every semester, and made in on the President’s List,” Sanchez said. “Since I have had a great experience with CSU thus far, my wife, Ana, a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department, encouraged me to continue my education and receive my MBA. Unfortunately, since my mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2020, I have become her caregiver which has affected my income and ability to save money.”
With this scholarship, Sanchez plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration.
“When I first enrolled with CSU, I was determined to get a degree to finally feel equal to others,” she said. “However, a couple years back, I read a quote that said, ‘comparison is the thief of joy’, and for the first time in my life I thought about my educational journey from a different perspective. I am no longer getting a degree for others; I am getting a degree for myself.”
Fazilatun Nessa
Fazilatun Nessa of Dix Hills, New York, was awarded the NYPD Scholarship. Born and raised in Bangladesh, Nessa has tried several times to get her bachelor’s degree; however, financial burdens have been a constraint since arriving in the United States.
“When I came to the United States, I enrolled in John Jay College of Criminal Justice to pursue my dream. Unfortunately, due to the needs of my family. I was not able to complete my bachelor’s degree,” Nessa said. “At the age of 15 I was confronted with a choice of continuing my education or providing for my family. I choose my family. A decision I never regretted, but it was a sacrifice.”
With this scholarship, Nessa plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“A bachelor’s degree will allow me to move forward, and to move up, she said. “It will enable me to become a true part of shaping the most elite police department in the world. If I was granted this scholarship, I could fulfill my dreams of completing my secondary education which would in turn result in greater financial stability for me and my family.”
Katherine McFerran
Katherin McFerran of Peyton, Colorado, has been named the recipient of the Knight Scholarship. She currently works as a police officer for the Colorado Springs Police Department and works closely with victims of human trafficking as the lead investigator for complex investigations.
“I’ve created and delivered human trafficking training materials for internal law enforcement officers and the community,” McFerran said. “I feel like I am boasting, but to be completely honest, I am seeking this opportunity to acquire the schooling to support this amazing career and training I’ve been lucky enough to experience and receive. I want to continue training my community and fellow officers about human trafficking and help identify potential victims.”
With this scholarship, McFerran plans to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice administration.
“This scholarship would allow me the opportunity to move forward with my education in the criminal justice program and bring that education back to my community and fellow colleagues,” she said. “I desire greatly to continue my work as a public servant for my community.”
Moez Ahmed
Moez Ahmed of Staten Island, New York, has been awarded the NYPD Scholarship. Ahmed currently works as a police officer for the New York Police Department with a goal to enhance community policing initiatives.
“In the next five years, I aim to advance to the rank of lieutenant within the NYPD and lead efforts to transform policing to meet community needs better,” Moez said. “My journey from a Muslim immigrant from Pakistan to a dedicated public servant in the NYPD has been defined by faith, perseverance, resilience and a commitment to justice. Now, on the brink of a potential promotion to sergeant, I want to learn new skills to make an impact.”
With this scholarship, Ahmed plans to pursue a master’s degree in business administration with a concentration in project management.
“Investigating thousands of cases and working in various capacities within law enforcement have honed my analytical skills and ability to manage multifaceted tasks,” he said. “These experiences have given me a practical understanding of project management principles, such as coordinating efforts, managing resources and executing plans effectively.”
Talita Garcia
Talita Garcia of Carbondale, Colorado, has been named the recipient of the Business Scholarship. She currently works for a small municipality in Colorado where she continues to apply and expand her human resources skills.
“With a degree in hand, I aim to pursue a path in teaching at the bachelor’s level at Columbia Southern University, focusing on HR subjects,” Garcia said. “Teaching is a passion of mine because it allows me to inspire and empower others, showing them that they too can accomplish their dreams through knowledge and dedication.”
With this scholarship, she plans to pursue a master’s degree in human resources.
“Receiving this scholarship would alleviate the financial strain, allowing me to focus entirely on my academic and professional goals without the constant worry of how to afford tuition and associated costs,” she said. “It would ultimately contribute to a better future for my family.”
For more information about Columbia Southern University’s scholarships, visit ColumbiaSouthern.edu/Scholarships.
Disclaimer: These testimonials may not reflect the experience of all CSU students.
Multiple factors, including prior experience, geography, and degree field, affect career outcomes.
CSU does not guarantee a job, promotion, salary increase, eligibility for a position, or other career growth.
