Prospective students arrived on Feb. 21 for Union University’s annual Scholars of Excellence Weekend, when students compete for financial aid through a series of interviews and are hosted by current Union students to give them a more personal experience.
Last year’s presidential scholar, Amy Murdaugh, welcomed the prospective students and shared advice.
“Look on this weekend as an opportunity to grow in communication and interpersonal skills, a chance to stay on a wonderful college campus and meet people who may end up being your friends, or even roommates, and a way to step out in faith and see God at work in your life,” Murdaugh said.
Haley Hathcock, prospective student, said she listened to Murdaugh’s advice and applied it to her interactions on campus. She said one of her favorite aspects of the weekend was connecting with the other scholars.
“We were able to get to know each other, and it helped calm our nerves for the interviews,” Hathcock said. “I was actually able to reconnect with an old friend that I haven’t seen since we were in preschool.”
Katelyn Walls, junior Christian studies major, hosted Hathcock.
“Haley and I both went to Trinity Christian Academy here in Jackson, so when her enrollment counselor approached me about hosting her for Scholars, I was really excited,” Walls said. “She was very well prepared, and though I know she was nervous, she seemed confident and ready for all that the weekend had in store.”
Hathcock said she left Union’s campus thankful for her time with friends, old and new, and for the opportunity to be academically challenged.
“Overall, I really enjoyed the whole experience,” Hathcock said. “I especially loved getting to stay on campus the whole time, as not all schools have a scholars weekend that works that way. I’m confident that I did well, and I can’t wait to come back to campus!”
This is the first year Union will host two Scholars of Excellence weekends instead of one. The second will be Feb. 27-28.
