�Ӱ�ԭ��

When Ryleigh McDonagh �Ӱ�ԭ��26 first learned about the Department of Defense , she was intrigued. At the time, she was preparing to begin her first year as a college student, and she wasn�Ӱ�ԭ��t sure if she�Ӱ�ԭ��d be able to apply for it. But she was committed, and her efforts have, so far, paid off: McDonagh received an email notifying her that she is a semifinalist for the scholarship.

The DoD SMART Scholarship offers a variety of opportunities for college students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields, such as stipends, summer research internships, and employment placement at a DoD facility upon degree completion.

�Ӱ�ԭ��This is a great scholarship to apply for, as it has plenty of benefits,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��I am honored to have made it as a semifinalist. Making it this far is an amazing feeling. Once I got the email saying that I was a semifinalist, I knew all the work that I had put into this scholarship application had been worth it.�Ӱ�ԭ��

For McDonagh, it wasn�Ӱ�ԭ��t watching popular television shows depicting crime scene investigations that sparked her interest in forensic science. Rather, it was a chemistry class she took in high school �Ӱ�ԭ�� a class that, she says, she was initially nervous about taking �Ӱ�ԭ�� that led to her interest in forensic science. She was inspired to pursue a career as a forensic chemist, hoping to play an important role in helping to bring closure to families and to help give justice to victims.

�Ӱ�ԭ��This scholarship could immensely help me achieve my career goals because I would be employed at the for at least five years right out of college, which would be incredible,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��I would not have to worry about �Ӱ�ԭ��what�Ӱ�ԭ��s next?�Ӱ�ԭ�� if I receive this scholarship. It would also give me the experience and knowledge that I need for the future. This job could be the first of many steps closer to achieving my long-term goal of becoming a forensic chemist.�Ӱ�ԭ��

�Ӱ�ԭ��Have faith in yourself�Ӱ�ԭ��

A member of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Honors program, McDonagh says pushing herself to apply for the scholarship was good preparation for her time as a Charger. During her first year, she�Ӱ�ԭ��s already enjoyed some great opportunities to learn more about her field, including visiting the FBI office in New Haven, and she�Ӱ�ԭ��s taken advantage of a variety of opportunities to get out of her comfort zone.

�Ӱ�ԭ��When I was younger, I was a very shy and reserved kid,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she explains. �Ӱ�ԭ��But ever since I started my college journey at the University, I believe it truly helped me find who I am and enabled me to come out of my shell. I began to be very outgoing, and I pushed myself beyond the social barriers that I had created for myself. The University has formed me into the person I am today.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Scholarship finalists will be announced later this month. Whether or not McDonagh is named a finalist, she already has achieved something she can be proud of.

�Ӱ�ԭ��If you set your mind to something, the motivation will ultimately come from within to achieve your goal, so continue to have faith in yourself,�Ӱ�ԭ�� she said. �Ӱ�ԭ��The amount of time and effort that you put into something, you will get ten times the reward.�Ӱ�ԭ��