Editor’s note: This is the second part of a two-part series following up on how 10 Collins Scholarship recipients from the Class of 2004 are doing now.



Brittnee Baumgartner

“I went to Navarro College the first four semesters. I worked 20 to 30 hours a week for a local construction company while taking as many as 18 to 20 hours of classes each semester. Working for the construction company was not only a good part-time job, but the experience has helped shape some of my future career goals. I will finish my business degree at Texas State University in San Marcos in December 2008. I am considering getting an engineering degree in addition to the business degree because I would like to pursue a career in real estate and property development.”



Tara Short

“I went to Texas A&M; University after high school. Leaving home, being away from my family and the academic intensity made me grow up. Even though it was tough, college at Texas A&M; was great. I got involved in several campus organizations. I also worked during each semester of college, about 25 hours per week. Working, even part time, forces one to prioritize how they will spend their time. Making extra money, making good grades, and participation in the organizations were my goals. I graduated from A&M; this spring with my degree in human resource management, and was one of 11 students chosen nationwide to participate in Lockheed Martin’s Leadership Program. I am currently working in Los Angeles, but hope to return to Texas someday.”





Aaron Sims

“I attended Trinity University in San Antonio. In addition to the Collins Scholarship, I received several scholarships from Trinity, but it was still expensive. When I went to college I was not sure what I wanted to study. I was advised to take one of those interest/aptitude surveys that are supposed to tell you what career matches you. The survey indicated engineering so I tried to ignore the results; however, for some reason I kept gravitating toward engineering and sure enough, I will be getting my engineering degree (chemistry and mechanical) in the spring of 2009. I am looking forward to an internship with a company in the engineering field, and the possibility of pursuing a master’s degree.”



Felecia Stewart

“I went directly to the University of Texas at Arlington after high school to earn a business degree. I did not take any dual credit courses, and only a few AP courses, but I have always known that I had the determination to further my education. The Collins Scholarship was a big help, but it did not pay for everything. After my freshman year I realized I had too much time on my hands, so I started working about 40 hours a week my sophomore year. Working helped me stay focused and disciplined as I took on more responsibility. My degree is a B.B.A. in management, and I am working for Bank of America as a sales and service specialist, but plan to take the GMAT (Graduate Management Admission Test) this fall and begin graduate school in the spring of 2009. I would encourage families in Corsicana to make college a priority. College is possible for all families. Corsicana ISD has resources available to help families figure out how to pay for college.”



Tara Todd

“I attended the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in Belton. My high school counselor suggested I take a look at the school, and my parents and I visited the school. The visit sold me. UMHB is a small private school — it just felt right. I earned a B.A. degree in history and Spanish with a teacher certification and am now employed by the Mesquite Independent School District. I will begin work on my master’s degree this summer. The most difficult thing I had to face was when my mother was diagnosed with cancer the spring of my junior year. I was inclined to leave school and go home to help out, but my parents told me to stay in school. My mother has made a full recovery. I received several scholarships from the Corsicana community and it seemed there was an expectation of success. I didn’t want to let down the people who cared about me. Being driven led me to more opportunities for success than stumbling blocks and failure.”



Samantha Warrington

“I attended Baylor University after high school. Baylor is not for everyone, but it was the perfect choice for me. Baylor is not easy, but the effort was worth it. I was very focused coming out of high school and determined to be successful in college. I am very appreciative of the scholarships I received (Collins, Eady). I only worked during the summers while in college. College offered a great chance for me to mature, because I had to handle everything — from studying to any minor emergency that might occur. I received a B.B.A. degree in economics and financial planning and will begin graduate school this fall working on a master’s degree in economics. After my master’s I will locate to where the good jobs are, but I want to stay in Texas.”