Scholarship Gives High Achiever a Boost

For 21-year-old Makayla Thomason, being a senior at Eastern Washington University involves juggling two part-time jobs with classes and homework.

That burden was lightened recently when the Chewelah native was named a recipient of the EWURA Golden Eagle Scholarship. Thomason, who maintains a 3.78 GPA, learned of the award while studying abroad in Portugal.

“I was really honored that my application stood out to others,” says Thomason, who is earning a bachelor’s degree in international business with a minor in entrepreneurship.

The scholarship relieved some of the financial burden, Thomason says. “Working two jobs, I feel like finances are one of the most stressful things besides grades.”

Beyond the monetary support, Thomason notes that the scholarship provided a significant psychological boost. “It just reiterates to myself that I am smart enough and that other people are supporting me in my academic journey,” she says.

Thomason recently participated in business simulations in collaboration with students in Taiwan, India, Dubai, and Florida. The project, which involved developing a strategy for an international expansion of a small business, required navigating a mix of international laws, cultural differences and varying time zones. The team chose to pilot their business strategies in Brazil, using localized advertising and app-based marketing.

As she prepares to graduate in June, Thomason is considering roles ranging from working on startups and franchises to embarking on an entry-level position as an Amazon area manager.

The EWURA scholarship is helping to position her to make those dreams a reality.

“It is very generous, Thomason says. “I don’t think people understand how grateful I am – and I think any college student is – to receive any scholarship. It inspires me to do something after graduation to inspire other people to reach graduation.”

To learn about the many ways you can make a difference for hardworking students like Thomason, please visit EWU/Give.