My name is Estee Miller and I graduated from BGSU in May of 2020 with my bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I am currently pursuing my master's at BGSU in Public Administration and expect to graduate in May of 2022. I come from a small town in northwest Ohio, called Oakwood. I was a part of the 2018 Thompson Achievement Scholarship cohort.

I initially came to BGSU in 2017 majoring in Inclusive Early Childhood Education but switched my major during my sophomore year. I decided to continue my education in Human Development and Family Studies, where I graduated a year early. During my undergraduate career, I received the opportunity to intern with Paulding County Economic Development and Wood County United Way. These experiences, as well as many other opportunities BGSU provided me, deepened my passion for serving the public good, which led me to my master's program.

Bowling Green State University has given me so much and has allowed me to develop professionally, personally and academically. Over the course of my three-year undergraduate career, I had the opportunity to be involved in several organizations including Undergraduate Student Government, University Activities Organization, National Residence Hall Honorary, Omicron Delta Kappa and a few others. I also became a resident advisor for a first-year student residence hall, was a programming assistant for the Dean of Students Office, a teaching assistant for a leadership course and completed research with my Academic Program’s Director.

During my undergraduate career, I made several valuable connections, and gained several valuable leadership and professional development skills which have transferred into my graduate career. I currently serve on the BGSU Board of Trustees as the Graduate Student representative. In addition, my undergraduate career experiences helped secure my assistantship in the BGSU Center for Public Impact. I also had the opportunity to teach a leadership course on campus to first year students this past semester. Due to the immense financial support the Thompson Scholarship awarded me, my financial stress was alleviated, which allowed me to focus on my studies and extracurricular involvements during my undergraduate career. If it weren’t for my involvement on campus and the generous support of the Thompsons, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

This scholarship has impacted me in so many ways. As a scholarship recipient, I was able to make several valuable connections with other peers. In addition, I received beneficial one-on-one advising from my scholarship advisor who was a great resource to have at BGSU. The Thompsons’ generous contributions to BGSU’s campus community does not go unnoticed and is greatly appreciated by thousands of people. I am beyond grateful for the Thompsons’ support of students and strive to be as generous as they are. Bob and Ellen’s belief and confidence in students like myself is so humbling, and I am very grateful that they recognize the power of an education and degree from BGSU.