Tytain Sun Says Hope Scholarship Has Been a Game Changer

Hope Scholar Tytain Sun Reflects on How This Scholarship Has Impacted Him:

“I’m a 20-year-old Cambodian American, majoring in computer science, with a minor in cybersecurity. I’d say I was more fortunate than most in that my parents had savings for my education. Still, I didn’t want to put that financial burden on them.

“When I heard that RIC was offering the Hope Scholarship, I eagerly waited to hear more. I kept checking my email. I was a little worried because, in my case, my parents could afford to pay for my education. I thought it would be the same as when I applied for the FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid]. They told me, because your parents can pay for your education, we’re not going to help you that much. That’s why, when the Hope Scholarship came around, I was worried there’d be some kind of financial cap on it, too. I was glad there wasn’t. It’s more merit-based.

“When my parents found out I was awarded the scholarship and all my tuition was paid, they were very happy. They know I’ve always loved learning, so, they were happy to see that, in some way, I was getting rewarded for it. And it was really easy to have the money applied to my tuition and fees. I just got on the MyRIC student portal and the award was there. It was just a matter of clicking yes, I confirm that I accept this award. It may seem too good to be true, but it’s absolutely real.

“For me, the Hope Scholarship has been a game-changer. I think it’s great that students are getting the financial help they need. For the next two years my parents will no longer have to carry that financial burden for me, and that means a lot to me.”

Learn more on the Hope Scholarship website.

Hear testimonials from other students: Ariel Polanco, Moses Nicolau, Remi Salako, Olivia Lancellotta and Jacqueline Carroll.