Farrah Keong

My name is Farrah Keong and I am a senior from Alpharetta, GA. I am a student in the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences majoring in Biology, Art History, and Latin. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in funding the Clayton Robson Wilhite Scholarship. I am extremely honored to receive this award.

During my time at UGA I have had the opportunity to take part in many great experiences. One of my favorite college experiences was when I participated in a research study abroad program in China last summer. Conducted through the Partnership for International Research and Education (PIRE), the program is doing genetic research on invasive plant species (such as Kudzu and Chinese Privet). Not only was I able to travel to many unique places in China, but I also had the opportunity to participate in an internship at one of the laboratories at the Nanjing Botanical Garden. I thoroughly enjoyed this experience as it relates to my current job preparing specimens for the UGA Herbarium, which houses a research collection of over 250,000 pressed, dried, and labeled plant specimens.



In addition to this, I have been actively involved in some service opportunities on campus. I tutor elementary school children once a week at the Thomas Lay Community Center, which has been an immensely rewarding experience. I have also been involved with the campus chapter of Habitat for Humanity for my four years here, serving as Special Projects Chair in 2007 and Co-president last year. Inspired by my work with the service organizations on campus, I have decided to take a year off before applying for medical school to partake in a year of service. During my year of service I hope to work with underprivileged youth in order that they may also one day have the opportunity to attend a school such as the University of Georgia.

The Clayton Robson Wilhite Scholarship has helped me tremendously to fully take part in the many activities offered by the University. From going caving with my P.E. class to studying abroad with International scientists to tutoring in the Athens community, my experience at the University of Georgia has been rich. I know that my time here at the University of Georgia has helped me to develop both intellectually and personally. I am certain that these experiences will help me immensely when I leave the university. Thank you again for the generosity, as it has provided me with the opportunity to participate in many activities that I thought I would not be able to partake in.

Sincerely,
Farrah Keong