Getting the #GilmanScholarship #HogsAbroad in France #FundingFriday

Hello my name is Dinah Benford and I was recently chosen as Gilman Scholar Recipient for Summer 2017! After a year of prepping and figuring out which Study Abroad program I wanted to do, I chose the Faculty-Led Program to Perpignan, France. I applied to go summer of 2016 but with my sister getting engaged and my brother going to college that same year, I had to withdrawal and apply for the next year.

When asked what the Gilman means to me, I automatically get overwhelmed with joy. I solely believe that receiving this award was nothing but a promise from God.

Everyone in the French Department and the Study Abroad Office had mentioned the Gilman but no one really went into detail about what it actually was, how to get it, who it was given to, and what it meant. I just saw the numbers and said "Yep, that will be one of the ones I will be applying for."

When I was applying for the scholarship, I immediately started praying about it. I was raised in the Christian faith, growing up to know the things of God and soon began to establish my own personal relationship with Him. Three different times I had had a dream that I would be studying abroad and having the gift of prophecy, I knew that this was a sign from the Lord and began my application to study abroad and for the Gilman.

I applied for the early admission. It was tough but I got through it. Every Sunday, during tithes and offering I would give 10% of my earnings back to the Lord as it is said to do so in Malachi 3:10-12. And on the back I would write down what it was that I was believing for. The Gilman was one of them. I did this for 7 months, continuously tithing and praying that if this is what God had for me that He would make a way. And He did.

I didn't get it the first go round but I knew deep down inside that it would be mine and He would use this as means for me to go abroad. So I applied again and when I saw the words "Congratulations," I left class to go to the bathroom to cry, praise, and shout unto the Lord because He is faithful.

I want to be an Artist and Repertoire (A&R). This is someone who scouts out talent for recording labels and oversees the artist's career. I would love to do this internationally and I will because this award is one step closer to me achieving this dream. And with my trust and faith in God, nothing is impossible.

So when people ask me what it means to be a 2017 Gilman Recipient, I tell them that it means as much to me as the One who rules the earth. Because with this award, I am reminded everyday that my God is a faithful God, who is willing to give above all we could ever ask or think. The Gilman is a staple in my own strong will and faith and I will forever be grateful because of it.
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Students interested in studying abroad or learning more about applying for the Gilman Scholarship should contact the Office of Study Abroad and International Exchange. Undergraduate students with limited financial means who plan to study abroad are encouraged to apply.