This is the first of a profile series written by Social Media Coordinator Michelle Vergara that showcases the Project Inspire Scholarship winners.
Brittany Bridges is a senior at the University of Central Florida (UCF) majoring in Health Services Administration and minoring in Mass Communications. She will graduate in Spring 2016 and plans on going to nursing school.
Q. During high school, how did you get involved in Project Inspire?
A. Daphne and I had gone to the same high school in Miami, and we were both part of flagettes, which other schools might call colorguard. She was a few years ahead of me. One year, she came back as an alum and told us about this scholarship. I applied and I’ve been in touch ever since. I was drawn by the uniqueness of the organization and its focus to serve girls involved in extracurricular activities.
Q. What was your college transition like?
A. I started in the summer as opposed to the fall, and I guess I underestimated the challenge of college. I was such a good student in high school, but my first summer in college was a tough six weeks. It was a big help as a trial run and a wake-up call. During that time, I also participated in UCF’s SOAR program that linked you to a mentor and that helped me find different programs and meet people who are still my friends today.
Q. How did you decide on the UCF and your major in Health Services Administration?
A. UCF was one of the few schools that offered a bachelor’s degree in Forensic Science. Many college students change their major two or three times and I never thought I would be one of those people. My grandmother was actually my main inspiration for going into Health Services Administration; she was sick for a long time and watching the doctors and nurses take care of her inspired me to pursue a career in this field.
Q. Besides your studies, are there any extracurricular activities you’re involved in?
A. I am very involved in my sorority, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., where I have been a member since fall 2013. I am also a part of the John T. Washington Honors Society, LEAD Scholar Alumni at UCF, UCF Cares (a service liaison for freshmen and transfers to the university), and the New Image youth center where I have two high school mentees. For fun, I love to read, travel, shop, write poetry, and try new food. I wrote a children’s book in middle school and I want to write another one in the next three years. I love doing things that expand my horizons.
Q. You’ve accomplished so much in the middle of so much change, with your transition to college. What advice would you give to high school students?
A. You can’t have every challenge break you. That’s what I’ve learned through mentorships and the college application process. I was rejected from my dream school, Florida State University, but I see hardship as a chance to get better. Learn from other people, especially those who have had it worse than you. As far as the college application process, go ahead and apply. Apply and don’t get discouraged. Reach out to the resources available to you and take full advantage of them. At the end of the day, understand that challenges are just part of the bigger picture and trust that there are good things to come?
Post written by: Michelle Vergara
Project Inspire 