Third-year medical student Fatima Garuba was inspired at an early age to become a physician. Support from donors has helped her overcome financial barriers and make the most of her time so far at Ohio State’s College of Medicine.

How have your scholarships changed your life for the better?
Having financial support from Ohio State has significantly decreased my level of anxiety regarding the amount of debt I’ll have when I leave medical school. It can seem like such an insurmountable task when you think about how much debt piles up over the years. Without the scholarships I would have had insufficient funds for everyday expenses—the things that help make it easier for students to focus on and thus do well in their studies.

What would you say to your benefactors if you had a chance to speak with them?
Thanks so much for thinking it worth your time and money to donate to my education. Although you don’t know me personally, you still decided to give of yourself to help make many of my dreams come true. Your gift is a motivating factor for me to do even better and put in that much more effort to ensure I make the best of my education and time here. My future patients will reap the benefits of your generous commitment.

Have your studies in medicine impacted your life outside the classroom?
Medicine has affected my outlook on a lot of things. I constantly work to ensure I cultivate many of the characteristics that are important to being a good physician, such as compassion, leadership, hard work, and high standards. I see myself and my life in general through different eyes. I'm more aware of the blessings and gifts I’ve received, and I hope that all I do makes me better able to be the best physician possible.

How do you feel when you hear about aspiring students who simply cannot afford the schooling necessary to fulfill their dream careers?
It is extremely saddening to know that there are people out there who are missing out on the opportunity to obtain higher education due to financial disadvantages. It’s disheartening to see that money can be the thing that makes someone decide not to pursue their dreams. Knowing that I’ve received these scholarships, it helps to be able to share that with people and say, “Don’t give up. Ohio State has a lot of opportunities for you, and is really focused on getting students to come here and provide them with what they need.”