September 25, 2015
Education major presented with new laptop
A College of Education major joins a select group of students who have received an academic scholarship with an additional bonus: the recipient also receives a new computer.
Takara Brownridge, senior in elementary education with a concentration in English as a second language, was this year's recipient of the Lawrence G. Wright Scholarship for multicultural students. The Wright scholar also receives a technology award from the Doris Wright Carroll Multicultural Technology Award. Carroll is Wright's daughter and an associate professor of special education, counseling and student affairs.
Brownridge is the fifth student to receive the technology award and was elated when presented with a MacBook Pro.
"It was pretty great," Brownridge said of receiving the laptop. "I really needed a computer because the one I have is not working very well and this came at the right time." Brownridge believes it will be especially useful once she begins her clinical semester. "When I go into student teaching, it will be really helpful for lesson planning and writing notes," she said. "Now I will be able to use the apps I've already paid for while using the college's iPad."
The college provides an iPad for students to use during their professional education courses, and Carroll believes the technology award supports the college's iPad initiative.
"Technology is essential for your success as an educator, and this is something you can carry with you, and it serves as an extension of the college's iPad initiative," Carroll told Brownridge. "I am just delighted that I can help out."
Brownridge is a member of the Black Student Union executive board, EPIC dance team, student-at-large for education council. She works at the K-State ID center and the Boys & Girls Club.
Carroll's family established the Lawrence G. Wright scholarship in 2002 to honor their father, who was a human resources officer for the Santa Fe Railroad in Topeka. The goal was to enhance opportunities for students with diverse backgrounds. The technology award has been in existence since 2011.