As Texas A&M University-San Antonio sophomore Jah'Dae Bussey prepares for her second year as a student-athlete, a scholarship from the Community for Life Foundation is helping ease the financial pressure of pursuing a college degree while reinforcing her commitment to serving others.
Bussey, a sociology major who plays guard for the women’s basketball team, was selected to receive a Community for Life Foundation scholarship, which supports students pursuing higher education and encourages recipients to make a positive impact in their communities.
For Bussey, the award represents more than financial support.
"Being a student-athlete, it helps me a lot financially and helps me reduce the stress of tuition and other expenses," Bussey said. "I see this as someone believing in my future, like they are investing in me."
The Community for Life Foundation was established in 2001 to help students overcome financial barriers to higher education. According to the organization, it has awarded nearly $1 million in scholarships to more than 450 students. In addition to scholarships, the foundation offers care packages, tutoring and college and career readiness programs.
The organization's mission is personal for Lawrence Scott, associate professor of educational leadership at A&M-San Antonio who also serves as the executive director of the Community for Life Foundation. Scott received a Community for Life scholarship in 2003.
"I remember being that student who needed extra help," Scott said. "The Community for Life Foundation made a big difference for me at the time."
Since then, Scott said, the foundation has expanded its reach and increased the level of support it can provide students. Beyond helping students pay for college, the organization encourages recipients to think about how their education can create opportunities for others, as graduates return their knowledge, skills, and success to the local community.
That message resonates with Bussey.
"I want to continue giving back to my community and hopefully give back to my university in the future," she said.
Scott said Bussey's dedication to service and her experience as a student-athlete reflect the qualities the foundation hopes to support. While he is not involved in selecting scholarship recipients, he said learning about Bussey's goals and meeting her family left a lasting impression.
As A&M-San Antonio’s athletic director, Darnell Smith, said he is proud to see one of the University's student-athletes recognized with the scholarship.
"Our student-athletes work hard every day to excel not only in competition, but also in the classroom," Smith said. "Seeing one of them recognized with a scholarship like this is a testament to their dedication, character and commitment to excellence."
Smith said scholarships and leadership opportunities help student-athletes grow beyond their sport, building confidence and preparing them for success after graduation.
For Bussey, the future is still taking shape. She hopes to continue succeeding in the classroom while helping her team build on last season's accomplishments.
Ultimately, she hopes to leave A&M-San Antonio as a better version of herself.
"Continue to believe in yourself and set goals to reach," Bussey said, offering advice to students considering opportunities like the Community for Life scholarship.
Scott said he hopes Bussey will use her education to make a difference in the lives of others.
"My hope is that she will continue to be a positive difference maker, a world changer, a person of impact, and that one day she will be able to give back in ways that embody the spirit of Texas A&M-San Antonio," Scott said.
For Bussey, the scholarship is ultimately a vote of confidence in her future.
"They believe and trust me that I will represent them well," she said.