TTU Student Receives Scholarship from TTUISD and TACS

by Briana Vela

February 11, 2016

Texas Tech University Independent School District (TTUISD) in collaboration with Texas Association of Community Schools (TACS) recently awarded Jameson Dowell a $1,000 scholarship to Texas Tech University. Dowell, a Henrietta, Texas, high school graduate, is currently enrolled as a freshman studying nutrition and pre‑pharmacy. Family familiarity with the university led Jameson to Tech ‑ his brother is a current senior electrical engineering student and his mother a TTU alumna. TTUISD spoke with the scholarship recipient to get to know him a little better and to discuss his recent award:

Q: How will this scholarship be beneficial in helping you reach your goals?
A: College costs a lot, definitely. So any time I can get some extra cash, especially with books, it really helps a lot.

Q: What are your future career goals?
A: I want to graduate as a pharmacist. And then eventually I want to work up the ladder of maybe CVS or Walgreens and get the expertise in the business area. And then eventually I want to own my own chain of pharmacies, maybe that would compete with Walgreens and CVS. That would be really cool.

Q: What do you like to do in your free time?
A: I really like to read; I like to draw; I really like fitness, so working out and running a lot; hanging out with friends, and fishing a lot. I like spending time outdoors; I have a lot of fun out there.

Q: How has TTUISD/TACS impacted you?
A: It's a really positive experience. It allowed me to flourish, especially in college because it just eased my mind a little bit. It was very helpful.

Q: Can you give us some insight on what a small school district has done for you in your preparation for college and also for life?
A: It's incredible. Coming from a small town, I have all the teachers that have been there for a long time so they're very helpful in just allowing me to excel in academia. And then all the coaches too, they've been there forever. And just the community is so supportive, especially with playing football, especially in Texas. It's very awesome to see the town come together for all the games and stuff. It's really heartwarming to know that they care about me that much.

Q: Any advice to other current or prospective students?
A: Apply to as many scholarships as you can, definitely. Just have fun and enjoy life. Don't really stress out about grades that much. They're very important, but extracurricular activities are very important also. Make as many friends as you can and enjoy life.