MEGAN HAUSE

Megan is nearing the completion of graduating from Western Michigan University, where she is pursuing a dual major in Marketing and Leadership and Business Strategy. Additionally, she holds a position as a Communications Coordinator at Zhang Financial.  

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

Being a recipient of the Bronconess Scholarship has impacted by allowing me financial help for academics, but it also impacted me by giving me a sense of pride. Bronconess is defined as "courage and enthusiasm in challenging situations especially when sustained," but being able to be recognized for having Bronconess was very meaningful. 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

One piece of advice for anyone struggling to find their Bronconess is to focus on learning yourself. Understanding how you respond in challenging situations and identifying what you need in those moments is key. You always emerge from adversity, but you will have multiple challenges throughout your life. Each one presents an opportunity to learn more about yourself, allowing you to approach the next challenge with greater resilience. 

JUSTIN R. DESJARDIN

Justin is nearing the completion of his final semester at Western Michigan University, where he is pursuing a dual major in Accountancy and Leadership and Business Strategy. Additionally, he holds a position as an FDP Analyst at Whirlpool Corporation. 

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

The Bronconess Scholarship has had a significant impact on both my personal and financial aspects of attending WMU, playing a crucial role in furthering my educational pursuits. Receiving this scholarship has boosted my confidence and demonstrated my ability to overcome challenging academic and professional obstacles. 

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

I would encourage anyone facing difficulties to push themselves beyond their limits and maintain the courage and commitment needed to overcome adversity. Bronconess shares ethos with my beloved Marine Corps of Honor, Courage, and Commitment.  I believe that enduring pressure and challenges not only shapes your character but also gives deeper meaning to achieving goals, while also affirming your capabilities as a professional. Rise to the challenge, endure, be a professional, that is demonstrating Bronconess.  

MOLLY OSTRANDER

Molly is pursuing a BBA from the WMU Haworth College of Business, where she is majoring in Finance and Leadership and Business Strategy. Recently, Molly completed a finance internship at Dell Technologies and has accepted a full time role as a Wealth Management Associate at Greenleaf Trust for post graduation.

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

As one who was on the Bronconess team in the past, it’s amazing to feel the effects of all the hard work that goes into the program first hand. The scholarship has allowed me to finish my last semester at WMU comfortably and turn my future aspirations into reality.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

Whenever you’re under a lot of pressure and it seems like too much, remember that you only grow when pushed outside your comfort zone.

KAMOLA MAKHMUDOVA

Kamola recieved a BBA from the WMU Haworth College of Business, where she majored in Finance and Leadership and Business Strategy. She is currently a financial analyst at Sleeping Giant Capital.

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

DEVON KELLY

Devon recieved a BBA from the WMU Haworth College of Business, where he majored in Business Economics and Leadership and Business Strategy. He is currently North America Leadership Trainee at Vestas.

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

The Bronconess Scholarship has impacted me by showing me that my efforts to overcome an extremely difficult situation were more than worthwhile and have encouraged me to look for new obstacles to overcome and conquer in all other areas of my life.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

One piece of advice that I would give is to take time to reflect on any and all difficult situations that you have overcome and how you overcame them, because in conquering these situations you will grow and learn more about yourself than in any other aspect of your life.

SYLVAN BENTON

Sylvan received a BFA from the WMU Frostic School of Art where she majored in Product Design and Leadership & Business Strategy. She is currently an Innovation & Design Strategist for Southwest Airlines.

HOW HAS THE BRONCONESS SCHOLARSHIP IMPACTED YOU?

The Bronconess scholarship has impacted me personally and financially. The generosity of the scholarship allowed me to leave my second job, so I was able to really focus on my academics, absorb the lessons being taught by my professors and peers, and participate in other campus experiences.

WHAT IS ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU’D GIVE TO SOMEONE STRUGGLING TO DEMONSTRATE BRONCONESS?

Bronconess is defined as "courage and enthusiasm in challenging situations especially when sustained." The key to demonstrating Bronconess is in the phrase especially when sustained. Confronting challenges with consistency is exhausting after so long. When I am struggling to demonstrate Bronconess, I lean on my people and soak up their juice.