Lockbourne, Ohio, native Colin Peters is a Moritz College of Law student expecting to graduate in spring 2012. He believes that law is critical, and plans to become a lawyer working in public service. The scholarships he’s received allow Colin to pursue his dream of helping others and to affect positive change in people’s lives.
How would you describe your Ohio State experience?
I’ve loved Ohio State; it's proved to be the best fit for me. I got the right mix of academics, social activity, and of course football tickets. Highlights have included all of the athletic traditions, like jumping in Mirror Lake before Michigan and skull sessions. I studied abroad in Oxford one summer, which was incredible. The university will always have a special place in my heart.
How has financial aid had an impact on your education?
My undergraduate scholarship enabled me to afford to do the Oxford Pre-Law program by paying for the tuition expenses. The Moritz Scholarship is allowing me to pursue public interest law, which would be difficult to do with a mound of debt. Without tuition costs hanging over my head, I spent last summer volunteering at the Legal Aid Society of Columbus.
What do you think about the fact that some of your peers are qualified for college but won’t get to attend due to financial strain?
It’s a tragedy both for those individuals and for the rest of society. Not only are their earnings diminished, but young people who are unable to attend college also miss out on the opportunity that a university education gives to grow intellectually and emotionally. Our state and our country suffer a loss when individuals cannot maximize their potential capacity to participate in and give back to the larger society.
What would you say to those who have donated to make your education possible?
I have tremendous gratitude for the scholarships that have enabled me to achieve. Not only would I say “Thanks,” I would also tell them that their donations have kept me in Ohio. As the flagship university in the state, Ohio State is an engine of development for Ohio.
How do you demonstrate the importance of giving back?
If it is possible for me financially, I will donate to scholarship funds after I graduate. I plan on giving back to my community through my employment; it’s a central part of my system of beliefs. And I co-founded Mantay America, a group that supports a shelter for teenage mothers and children in Peru.
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