Young Adult Scholarship Recipients: Where are they now?

An Interview with 4 Previous Recipients

We caught up with 4 recent recipients of the Achieve Credit Union Young Adult Scholarship - Steven Iwanek (2022), Jenna Juristy (2023), Elizabeth Filipiak (2024), and Kathleen Kirsch (2024) - to learn what’s going on in their educations and careers.

Pictured above (l-r): Elizabeth Filipiak, Jenna Juristy, and Steven Iwanek . Not pictured:Kathleen Kirsch.

Q: What college do you currently attend?

Steven: Graduate of Bowling Green State University

Jenna: Bowling Green State University

Elizabeth: The University of Toledo

Kathleen: Kent State University

Q: How has your Young Adult Scholarship helped with your education?

Steven: "Every scholarship is a gift. When I was self-financing my way through school, having the support of organizations like Achieve truly was a blessing. This scholarship allowed me to focus on what every student should— their education and growth—instead of worrying about paying the bills.”

Jenna: "The Young Adult Scholarship was extremely helpful in covering the costs of my first year of college."

Elizabeth: "My Young Adult Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my studies during the semester without worrying about financial issues during classes."

Kathleen: "Paying for a college education and related expenses can be extremely challenging. The Young Adult Scholarship has allowed me to focus on my nursing education and has eased the stress of worrying about affording tuition and textbooks."

Q: What made you choose your current degree? 

Steven: "My degree is a Bachelor of Science in Journalism with a minor in Marketing. I’ve always had a love for telling stories and doing my part to help people. That’s exactly what I get to do every day as the lead nightside reporter at CBS News in Toledo."

Jenna: "I chose Resort and Attraction Management because, in the future, I would like to work in the events industry."

Elizabeth: "I chose Mechanical Engineering because I enjoy problem-solving and being creative when finding solutions to issues in my surroundings. I pursued this field because of the wide range of specialties I can explore after graduation."

Kathleen: "I chose to go to nursing school to make a difference in the lives of patients who feel they have no voice and no one to help them. My favorite part of nursing so far has been the meaningful experiences I’ve had talking to patients and connecting with them on a deep level."

Q: Can you tell us about your favorite college course?

Steven: "I’m not in college anymore, but one of my favorite courses I ever took was a Great Roman Minds class. We don’t always think about the foundation of human civilization, but the Romans played a huge role in shaping what we do today and how our world operates."

Jenna: "My favorite college course that I’m taking right now is Digital Marketing."

Elizabeth: "My favorite science-related course right now is Calculus. I had a great time learning in Calc I, and I’m excited to continue into Calc II. I also really enjoy being a member of the University Orchestra. It’s an exciting change of pace for me in the evenings, and I love playing the French horn."

Kathleen: "My favorite college course is Pharmacology because I find it fascinating to learn about different drug classes and their positive and negative effects on the body. My professor is brilliant and makes the content engaging and enjoyable."

Q: What career are you looking forward to pursuing after graduation? Do you have a specific job or company in mind?

Steven: “As I stated, I’m a news reporter at WTOL 11 in Toledo.”

Jenna: "I would like to work in the events industry after graduation."

Elizabeth: "I’m not entirely certain what I’ll do with engineering, but I hope to work in the Cleveland area for a local company, applying my mechanical engineering skills in the automotive or industrial sectors."

Kathleen: "I am looking forward to earning a nurse practitioner degree and working as a psychiatric nurse. Providing quality care to patients struggling with their mental health is one of my goals after graduation."

Q: What advice would you give a high school student who wants to pursue a college major similar to yours?

Steven: "Being a journalist is like being a teacher. You’re always learning, always helping people, and the pay isn’t always great. However, if you have a flame inside you that’s passionate about storytelling and holding the powerful accountable, never let it burn out. This industry is very rewarding. There are days that make you say, 'Wow, I really got to do something or talk to someone that not many get to experience.'"

Jenna: "I would recommend that they look into all the job opportunities the industry has to offer."

Elizabeth: "Stay focused and passionate about science and math in school, and join clubs that interest you in both high school and college. While it’s important to study hard, making friends and exploring new things through clubs will help you avoid burnout and enjoy the journey."

Kathleen: "My best advice for high school students wanting to pursue a nursing degree is to learn time management skills. Lectures, labs, and clinical hours can add up, and deadlines often overlap, which can become overwhelming. The best thing you can do for yourself is to prepare before classes and always ask questions. Never be afraid to ask if you're unsure or need more information."

Achieve Credit Union 2025 Scholarship opportunity is now open!

We’re awarding four $1,000 Scholarships to graduating high school seniors and full-time students enrolled at any post-secondary educational institution. Apply by March 1.

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About the Author

Nick Hurst

Nick has served as the Marketing & Community Relations Specialist for Achieve Credit Union since 2022. Nick considers credit unions to be valuable resources for local communities. He works to ensure Achieve Credit Union is heavily involved in local events and organizations.

Fun fact: Nick has a lot of side hustles. He is a trivia host in Amherst. He also announces sporting events on the radio.