Navigating college was no easy feat for Brooke White, who faced the unique challenges of being a twin from a large family, a first-generation college student, and the child of a single mother. Despite these hurdles, Brooke was resolute in her mission to break the cycle. As a 2019 Lewisville High School senior, she meticulously applied for and earned 14 scholarships, including the Jenna Sigety Memorial Volleyball Scholarship and the Mary Hardinger/LISD Nurses Scholarship through LEF, funding her entire college education and ensuring she avoided the weight of student loan debt.
“The financial aid and support I received from LEF were transformative,” Brooke says. “It relieved a financial burden and stress off my shoulders, allowing me to focus on my studies. Additionally, it was a privilege to be able to use my free time to become involved volunteering and to give back to my community, rather than pursuing a part-time job to make ends meet. Words cannot express my gratitude for the support.”
Brooke’s gratitude translated into action. At Texas A&M University, she immersed herself in service and leadership. As the executive director and president of Texas A&M’s campus food pantry, she spearheaded efforts to combat rising food insecurity. Under her leadership, the pantry’s storage capacity expanded by 6,000 pounds, and clientele grew by 37%.
Her passion for addressing disparities also shined through her involvement in BUILD, a student organization that repurposes metal shipping containers into mobile medical clinics. These clinics are sent to underserved areas worldwide, including Nigeria and Ukraine, bridging critical healthcare gaps.
“These experiences deepen my understanding of disparity,” Brooke explains. “They motivate me to be an impactful future medical provider and patient advocate.”
Brooke’s academic journey is equally remarkable. Maintaining a stellar GPA in biomedical sciences, she demonstrated her commitment to excellence and her drive to make a difference. Her plans evolved over time, shifting from nursing school to a desire to diagnose and treat patients as a physician assistant. She dedicated a gap year to professional development and gaining hands-on patient care experience, further solidifying her readiness for the next chapter at the UNT Health Science Center's PA program.
Through her journey, Brooke not only honors the legacy of Jenna Sigety and Mary Hardinger but also inspires others to persevere and give back in meaningful ways, such as volunteering to become a scholarship reviewer for the Lewisville ISD Education Foundation this spring.
"I am thrilled about the full circle moment and to be able to contribute," says Brooke.
Her story is a testament to the transformative power of community support and the enduring impact of educational opportunities. LEF is proud to have played a small part in her journey.
