On this National Heroes Day, as we celebrate the honor and sacrifice of legendary heroes from history, it’s also a time to acknowledge the unsung heroes who are quietly shaping lives and futures. Three students, Sarah, John, and Angela, take this opportunity to express their gratitude towards their sponsors, shining a light on the remarkable impact these sponsors have had on their lives.
Sarah
Sarah, a second-year university student with a passion for public health, takes this special day to honor her sponsor, Teri. Their journey commenced in 2018, a meeting that laid the foundation for a lifelong bond. Teri’s unwavering support has been a guiding light for Sarah academically and in life’s various aspects. Their friendship, filled with lots of warmth, has been a source of inspiration for Sarah.
“Teri’s consistent encouragement, advice, and genuine care have elevated her beyond a sponsor. She is my confidante and role model. She always wants the best for me, and I aspire to be like her – kind-hearted, optimistic, and cheerful,” she says.
Sarah’s aspiration to emulate Teri’s virtues showcases the depth of their connection, cementing Teri’s status as Sarah’s true hero.
John
For John, who is aspiring to embark on a journey in medicine, heroism is personified by two remarkable individuals – Cassie Shewmaker and Elijah Godfrey. Their influence unfolded during his high school years, as they ensured his education through financial support and provided resources for his growth. Their kindness continued even after high school, and still support him as he joins university.
“Cassie and Elijah have also been my mentors, and they have always believed in my potential. Their placing their faith in me has fueled me to work harder. My sponsors have been with me through my education. They have also made me improve socially and taught me how to deal and navigate through my emotions, and I love them for that,” John says.
Angela
Angela, a medical engineering student, takes this moment to celebrate her sponsors. “I have the most fantastic sponsors in the world. Christie and Uhuru have been more than sponsors – with them, I have had mentors, a support system, a family, and a friend. Today being Heroes Day, I would love to honor my sponsors; it has been almost nearly a decade since I got sponsored, and I’ve loved every single bit of it,” she says.
She says her sponsors have held her hands through life’s tides, and she does not take that for granted. Her sponsors’ immense support in her education, her passion for writing, and her dreams have been unconditional. This motivates Angie to do her best.
“I can’t afford to let down my sponsors. I owe them a lot. All I can do for now is to be diligent in my studies,” she says and adds, “When I was young, all I ever wanted was to get a degree, and my sponsors, my heroes, are making it happen. Shout out to my sponsors for being the absolute best!”