Jason Zhang20527 Forest Stream Dr.Houston, TX 77346jason.zhang@utexas.edu713-818-7234Ann B. Stern600 Travis Street, Suite 6400Houston, TX 77002

Dear Ms. Stern:

I give my sincerest thanks for your contribution to the Cockrell School of Engineering. By your generosity, I am a recipient of the Jesse H. Hones Endowed Scholarship in Engineering.

For my whole life, I have lived in the town of Humble, Texas right outside of Houston. My parents came to America almost thirty years ago searching for their conception of the American dream while looking to escape an oppressive Chinese government. Now, and in great part due to your magnanimity, they are the parents of two driven and passionate students attending four-year institutions in pursuit of knowledge and success.

I will be attending UT as a freshman to study Biomedical Engineering this fall. I chose this field for its youthful vigor, valuable skillset, and humanistic mission: to improve existence by continually revolutionizing the state and condition of human health. Also, I have always been fascinated by both medicine and innovation, which seem to be two supporting pillars for the industry. As the field grows under the shadows of the petroleum, chemical, and mechanical engineering majors, more opportunities arise for me to make a difference in this world. I intend to make the most of my college experience, and this remarkable gift you have given will not go to waste.

As for the college experience, I am looking forward to the freedom! But at the same time, it will be deeply unsettling to not have my parents supporting me at all times. I hope to get involved with research as soon as possible. Perhaps later in the year I will start searching for summer internships. The Biomedical Engineering Society is definitely an organization that I will be trying to participate in.

This being a four year scholarship, I hope to write back next year updating you on my college experience. Once again, I thank you. Financial difficulties often hamper and discourage students from attending academic institutions and chasing their aspirations, and I have the utmost respect and admiration for individuals like you who understand the importance of making education more accessible to all.

Sincerely,

Jason Zhang