Over the summer, Marietta Community Foundation has had the privilege of welcoming an intern, Katen Petty, from Marietta College. With the help of our office, Petty was able to test her writing skills and continue a series of articles where we revisit past scholarship winners and ask, ‘Where Are They Now?’ The series was initially created by Jasmine Riggs, a participant of the Civic Leaders Fellowship Program.

Marietta, OH– Making decisions about college as a high school senior is not an easy task. College tours, applications, and scholarship essays put a great deal of pressure on these emerging young adults. Time and money are the deciding factors of most college choices. Students must decide what they want to do with their life and how they will make that goal attainable.

One of five Marietta Community Foundation’s 2019 Carol Christy Scholarship winners, Maggie Gottfried, knew that her college decision was an important and strategic commitment. She made the decision to attend The Ohio State University to study Material Science Engineering with a specialty in Biomaterial and Polymers.

Despite having many OSU alumni in her immediate family, The Ohio State University was not always Gottfried’s first choice. She planned on going to a school far from home for a unique college experience.

“I wanted to do something different… but once I went on a visit there [Ohio State University] I realized why so many people go there,” said Gottfried. “There are many networking opportunities being so close to the city and the campus itself is awesome. The school pride atmosphere is something I love about Ohio State.”

To achieve her career goals, Gottfried wanted to ensure that she would have the time to focus on all her undergraduate requirements. The Carol Christy Scholarship gave her that freedom. Gottfried can focus on her studies rather than working a part-time job.

“I knew that having this scholarship would mean that I had extra time at whatever university I decide to attend,” said Gottfried “I was lucky because the first year I was on campus I didn’t have to work at all. I’m glad I had that extra time because the classes were rigorous. The caliber of the courses was a lot different than what I was used to in high school.”

Once she was able to adjust to her course schedule, Gottfried used her spare time to get involved with extracurriculars. She felt that it was important to find ways to make connections outside of the classroom.

“Ohio State has over 500 clubs to get involved in other than academics,” said Gottfried “I am a part of the Women in Engineering Learning Community, OSU chapter of Engineers without Boarders, and the Global Water Institute Student Advisory Board.”

Gottfried holds leadership positions in these clubs and focuses on volunteer work in the Columbus area. She also enjoys playing tennis, swimming, and spending time with friends on campus.

The GPA requirement of the Carol Christy Scholarship encouraged Gottfried to stay diligent with her studies. She not only relied on the funds of the scholarship, but she utilized the academic motivation as well.

“My first semester I really struggled with my grades. Knowing that I had to meet a GPA cut off at the end of my sophomore year, the scholarship kept me motivated to get my grades up,” said Gottfried “I went from the worst GPA of my life to making a 4.0 on the Dean’s List.”

Gottfried is currently completing an internship in Wooster, Ohio, with a research team working in her specific field. She will return to OSU campus in the Fall and begin preparations for study abroad in Spain in the Spring of 2022.

The Marietta Community Foundation meets National Standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector. Founded in 1974, the Marietta Community Foundation has grown over the years thanks to a number of generous gifts.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you want to change the life of a local student, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.