Apparently, while I was failing a final exam last week, this message from the financial aid office landed in my student account:

Dear May:

Congratulations on your commitment, preparation, and citizenship.  Brigham Young University is pleased to award you the following:

This scholarship is awarded based on the financial information you provided on your Comprehensive scholarship application.  We encourage you to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to apply for federal financial aid for the 2011-12 academic year, if you have not already done so.  Details on how to apply may be found on the Financial Aid website.

Please note that this is an undergraduate scholarship.  If you will be a graduate student for the semester(s) indicated, you are not eligible to claim this scholarship.  If you wish to defer or decline the award, please visit the Scholarship History page in Route Y. To access this page, log in to Route Y, click on School, AIM, and Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Tithes of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and offerings of generous friends of the university fund BYU scholarships. Following established procedures, we award these resources to encourage continued commitment to spiritual and intellectual growth. By claiming your award, you accept certain responsibilities. Specifically, you commit to:

Use this investment wisely to prepare for meaningful service to your family, community, and the world.

Express gratitude by writing a thoughtful letter of appreciation to those who fund your scholarship.

Comply with the policies that govern the use of your award.

Exemplify good citizenship within the university community by abiding the Honor Code, encouraging others to do likewise, and, whenever possible, attending the weekly campus devotionals and forums.

Provide a minimum of 15 hours of meaningful service, which you define and pursue on your own, for each semester of scholarship awarded.

Replenish the university’s scholarship funds as circumstances in your life allow.

Please refer to the Expectations of BYU Scholarship Recipients below for additional explanation and specific instructions about these commitments.

Please note that scholarships are not automatically renewed. To be considered for future scholarships, you must apply by the published deadlines.   No late applications will be accepted.

Scholarships provide financial assistance, but they also represent a vote of confidence in you. We celebrate the gifts and talents you contribute to our student body.

Sincerely,

Financial Aid Office
Brigham Young University

***
So, I have to write a letter to the scholarship donors, be an all-around grateful student, and basically stop feeling discouraged so easily. The message made my day; it reminded me of what I’m capable of doing.