Major: Microbiology
Hometown: Columbus, Nebraska
Thanks to scholarships, Antonio will be able to take part in experiences that he once thought were out of reach.
Antonio recently received a Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship through the U.S. Department of State as well as an Early Abroad Scholarship and an Emerging Leader Scholarship through the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. As a Gilman Scholar, Antonio will travel to Italy—once guidelines surrounding the virus permit it—and learn from experts there about the epidemiology of COVID-19.
The chance to learn about the virus from some of the minds that know it best is an amazing academic opportunity for a microbiology student like Antonio. He's excited about the program, but also patient in knowing that it might be a while before he's actually able to go to Italy and safely participate in his studies.
Without scholarships, Antonio wouldn't be able to participate in programs abroad. He's thankful he applied for the scholarships, and now he wants to share his story with other students who think that studying abroad is out of their reach. These opportunities didn't come easy to him—at times, he was working two jobs just to be able to cover bills, all while wanting to lead as an example first-gen student for his family and for other students like him.
"There is a lot of pressure to succeed in college, not just for yourself but for your family—doing something they didn't have the opportunity and resources to do."
Through perseverance, grit and seeking out scholarships, Antonio is now able to do the things he never thought he could do.
