This week, we kicked off our annual Fall Fundraising Campaign. I hope you’ll take a look at this collection of moving stories and thoughts from our past scholarship recipients and donors.
As I read through it, a few themes emerge. We see in our scholarship recipients a tremendous work ethic—both in their academic pursuits and in their efforts to support themselves financially—along with a seriousness of purpose that is inspiring. These students understand the privileges of their educational experiences and the benefits they have received from our donors. And on both counts, they want to give back, and are already doing so.
From our donors, we see a deep belief not only in the value of education, but also the importance of access to education. They also deeply believe in the mission of Mason Korea, to bring students together from across the globe to strengthen the bonds between Korea and the US.
In a beautiful essay, the English seventeenth-century poet and minister John Donne wrote “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent.” Every one of us, Donne wrote, is “involved in mankind.” I know how much I owe in my own life to the support I have received from others. And so I seek to support others in turn, knowing that those I support will one day help someone else.
And help me too: for we need to educate serious and globally minded students to build the future we want and need. No man is an island. I hope you will consider joining the Mason Korea community with your gift, knowing that in building our students’ future we are building our ownl.
No gift is too small. Thank you for your consideration.