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Scholarship search educates mom By Roberta Mallard – Special to the Star-Telegram Reprint Courtesy of the Fort Worth Star Telegram STAR-TELEGRAM/STEWART F. HOUSE Brenda Smith, left, obtained more than a dozen scholarships for her daughter, Leslie, 21, who graduates this year from the University of Texas at Austin. ARLINGTON – Larry the Chihuahua posed for the camera. Geoffrey Williams sat next to him smiling for the photo he hoped would help him get a $100 scholarship. As an added touch, he wore his baseball uniform. His mother, Brenda Smith, learned about this scholarship, which included an essay on “Why Pets are Important to People,” while doing research at the local library. Then a single mom and working at Bell Helicopter, she needed the money to send her son to college. He got the $100. Smith continued her success, helping him secure seven more scholarships that paid his four years of tuition at Texas A&M University. “I had to be part detective and very persistent,” she said. Smith knew she was on to something. That was more than eight years ago. Since then, Smith, 53, researched her way to 15 scholarships to cover four years of tuition for her daughter, Leslie, 21, who graduates from the University of Texas at Austin this year. Smith is conducting workshops on the subject, including a series for the University of Texas at Arlington’s Continuing Education Division, and has written a book, The Best Kept Secrets for Winning Scholarships. The book, which Smith self-published last year with the help of her husband, Tommy, outlines each stage of the process from beginning the research to getting the cash and maintaining an edge on the competition. Jerry Davis, college adviser at The Oakridge School, said he is glad to see what he calls “information overload” compiled into one source and invited Smith to participate in a recent seminar for his students. “Her book contains a lot of good information and makes some really profound observations,” Davis said. If applicants read the book and follow the plan, Smith says, they can expect to get at least $10,000 for college. The plan should begin in the ninth grade and include doing research, applying for at least 50 scholarships, getting good grades and improving SAT scores. Smith recommends that students write several essays covering such topics as “The Most Important Person in My Life” or “My Career Goals.” She strongly suggests securing letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors and community leaders, participating in school activities and working part time or getting involved in community service. Carol Wilson, head counselor at Lamar High School, also emphasizes outside activities. “They are becoming more and more important,” she said. “Extracurricular activities indicate to scholarship committees that those students can manage their time.” Wilson is deep in the process of helping her seniors secure money for college. Last year, almost $1.6 million in scholarship money was awarded at Lamar. She said she hopes more is offered this year. “The money is out there,” Wilson said. “Students must understand that no one is coming to their door.” Like Smith, she says students must be willing to make the effort. Smith says millions of scholarship dollars go unclaimed each year. She maintains a Web site for students seeking scholarships that provides an online application for a $500 scholarship that she sponsors. An update of her book is in the works, along with a guide to money available for graduate school and adults returning to college. Leslie Williams, who plans to pursue a career in public relations, is thankful that her mother made such an extraordinary effort on her behalf. “She taught me to be a self-motivated person,” Williams said. “She’s ambitious, and it’s reflected in me.” Be Sociable, Share! Tweet

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