As a recent recipient of a Master of Social Work degree from Ohio State, Elena Chu is eager to join the workforce and begin having a positive impact on those in need of her services. A memorial scholarship gave Elena the boost she needed to complete her education, and she will always be grateful to her benefactors, Nancy Shaw Behling and John Behling.

What kind of scholarship did your receive to assist you during your graduate studies?
I received the Matthew Carl Behling Memorial Scholarship through the College of Social Work. It allowed me to work fewer hours during my master’s program, which in turn allowed me to focus more time and energy toward my schoolwork. Beyond the monetary significance, receiving the scholarship made me feel as though someone believed in me.

Have you been able to meet the Behlings, the donors who started the scholarship?
I have been lucky to meet my benefactors on many occasions, and I am so grateful for the interactions we have had together. Because the scholarship was developed in the memory of their son, Matthew, I want to always act with integrity and to the fullness of my ability as a tribute to him and the generosity of the Behlings.

What have been some highlights of your experience at Ohio State?
I have met so many brilliant and inspirational professors here. I feel as though they have imparted not only some of their wisdom, but also their passion for their discipline. Ohio State has been a place and a period in my life where I was able to realize who I am and what I am capable of. I will forever be a Buckeye!

Why do you feel that donating to scholarship funds for students is so important?
I think lack of financial aid holds people back from an education. The world is missing out on creative and intelligent people due to their inability to pay for school. The sad reality is that they are not able to get a degree. With the economy the way it is, it’s been a struggle for some of my classmates. And the job prospects are a little grimmer after graduation. So it definitely helped me to be able to have a little help with my tuition.