“I thought this place was amazing,” Olivia said. “It looked so beautiful, and the campus just seemed so lively—which is still true to this day for me.”
A Ripley, West Virginia native, Olivia chose Marshall not only for its welcoming atmosphere but also for its location. Just an hour and a half from home, it allows her the best of both worlds: the chance to go home on weekends and the independence of living on her own.
Now a sophomore studying elementary education, Olivia is deeply involved in campus life. She serves as a UNI peer mentor, helping new students during Week of Welcome and in their UNI 100 course, she is a social media ambassador and she’s active in Baptist Campus Ministries, one of her favorite weekly experiences.
But one of the biggest influences on her Marshall experience has been her involvement in Marshall for All—a program that covers the full cost of tuition, housing, books and dining, ensuring students can graduate debt-free.
Olivia admits she hadn’t heard of the program before coming to Marshall, but the day she opened her acceptance email is one she won’t forget.
“I was over the moon when I was done reading the email,” she said. “I was so incredibly grateful and shocked they selected me to be part of something so amazing.”
For her and her family, the opportunity was life changing.
“It means the world to me and my family,” Oliva said. “It felt like the weight of financial burden was lifted off our backs.”
The program has allowed Olivia to focus on her studies and experiences instead of worrying about finances.
“Marshall for All has impacted me by taking away the worry,” she said. “It feels good knowing that I have Marshall for All on my side, helping me achieve my dreams one day at a time.”
Beyond the financial support, Olivia says the best part of the program has been the friendships she’s formed.
“I’ve met so many lovely students in this program,” Olivia said. “Hearing everyone’s stories about how Marshall for All has impacted their lives warms my heart. I can’t wait to see all the great things they do.”
As she looks ahead to her future career as a teacher, Olivia says the program is preparing her in the best way possible.
“Marshall for All will allow me to fully focus on becoming the best teacher I can be without the constant stress of student debt being on my back,” she said.
When asked what she loves most about being a Marshall student, Olivia said the events, the community, and the beauty of campus in the fall. Whether it’s cheering at sporting events or gathering with friends at BCM, she’s embraced every opportunity.
“Choosing to become part of the Herd has been one of the best decisions of my life,” Olivia said. “Marshall truly has something for every student. I’m so glad to call Marshall my second home.”
