A recent graduate of Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Melissa Rubenbauer received financial support during her pursuit of a degree in food business management with a minor in agribusiness. With her sights set on a future in the restaurant industry, Melissa is excited to professionally pursue her passion for food and cooking.
How did you feel upon learning you were the recipient of scholarship support?
I knew in my heart that I really wanted to go to Ohio State. So when I found out that I got a scholarship, the burden of “How am I going to pay for this?” was lifted. Having the scholarship gave me opportunities that I couldn’t have imagined. The support helped me to adjust to my first two years of college by allowing me to focus on my studies and not worry so much about how to finance my education.
If you could speak to your scholarship providers right now, what would you say?
I would tell them that this was the best thing that anyone has ever done for me. You have no idea how much that scholarship has helped me. It doesn’t pay everything but what it does pay, it’s really impacted my life, and I can’t thank you enough. To know that somebody who’s never met me believes in me that much to give me money to attend college, to further my education . . . it’s amazing. It’s the best thing that anybody can do.
Now that you’ve graduated, where would you like your career to take you?
I would love to have my own restaurant and catering company because that is where my heart is. Cooking is part of my past and has made me who I am. It’s my passion, it’s my life. Everybody eats!
Do you anticipate donating to Ohio State students in the future?
After I am in a financially sound situation, I would love to find someone like me to help with a scholarship. I don’t find it fair in the least that there are people who are not given an opportunity like I have been given to attend college. I am very grateful that someone believed in me enough to give me a scholarship.
