Scholarship support motivates CECH student to maintain high standards

University of Cincinnati student Rena Patel has many things to be proud of. She earned academic achievement awards in 2022 and 2023 and completed three co-ops in enterprise data with one of America’s largest banks in UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services.

“Scholarships made a huge impact on my entire college career,” she said.

“The academic achievement awards in 2022 and 2023 have been pivotal in recognizing and validating my hard work and dedication to my studies. These awards have motivated me to maintain high academic standards and pursue excellence in all my endeavors. They made a difference in my life; they are a reason I’ve been successful at UC.”

Patel was born in India and moved to the United States with her family in 2016; they eventually settled in suburban Cincinnati. She knew early on that she wanted to attend UC, which offered myriad opportunities for building the foundation for a career in IT.

“I always wanted to go to UC, and it’s the best decision of my life,” she says. “I love how everyone at UC is warm and welcoming.

“The friendliness of the community made me feel at home from the very beginning. Additionally, the diversity at UC is truly remarkable. Being part of such a varied community has allowed me to learn from people with different backgrounds and perspectives, enriching my overall experience. The collaborative spirit and support among students and faculty members have also played a significant role in making my time at UC enjoyable and fulfilling.”

She is also grateful for those individuals who funded her scholarships.

“I want to thank UC’s donors from the bottom of my heart,” Patel says. “Your kindness and commitment to supporting students like me are truly appreciated, and I am deeply grateful for the positive impact you have had on my life. Your contribution has not only aided in my academic success but has also motivated me to give back to the community in the future.”

Experiential learning through co-ops has been a cornerstone of her UC experience.

“These hands-on experiences allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge from my coursework to real-world projects, enhancing my understanding of data technologies,” she says. “The practical skills and insights I gained during these co-ops are invaluable, providing me with a solid foundation for my future career.”

That future career will be in the field of data analysis, where Patel seeks to “drive innovation and solve complex problems.”

Beyond her academic and professional growth, Patel says she has evolved into a more outgoing and confident individual. A pivotal experience involved serving as a student success coach for four semesters, mentoring first-year students as they developed basic project management skills, including goal-setting, time management, risk management, and effective communication habits.

“This experience allowed me to assist others in their academic journey while significantly enhancing my leadership skills,” Patel says. “It’s an opportunity I might not have pursued before coming to UC, and it has been incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact I could make on others’ lives while growing more confident in my own abilities.”

Featured image at top: Rena Patel is a student in UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Photo/UC Alumni Association