Candace Borders,
Washington University

Degrees: B.A. in American Culture Studies, Minor in Spanish

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship allowed me to pursue my passion for humanities research and grow my intellectual skills. Stamps provided an important foundation for me to pursue summer research opportunities, academic conferences, graduate school fairs, and GRE prep classes. Without Stamps funding I would not have been able to grow my critical research skills in the same way and have important exposure to the steps necessary to apply to graduate school.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
I’ve learned that asking for support and help when you need it is an important part of life. I think that in our society we are taught to be completely self-sufficient, often to our own detriment. Especially in school, collaborating and supporting each other is an integral way to be even more successful.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
I think that my friends have had the greatest impact on my college career. I didn’t realize that I would grow so profoundly with the people I met freshman year. These friendships have challenged, supported, and guided me throughout my time in college.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
My favorite memory was attending the Stamps Conference in Atlanta my sophomore year. My younger sister is also a Stamps Scholar and it was such a special opportunity to get to attend the conference together and meet and connect with other scholars from around the country. I still stay in contact with some of the amazing people that I was able to meet.

What comes next?
I am taking a gap year after graduation to travel, do research, study for the GRE, and apply to Ph.D. programs. I am looking forward to relaxing a little bit before pursuing a Ph.D.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” – Maya Angelou