A brilliant young girl named Franceska Drejaj has won a scholarship worth 300,000 dollars to Bowdon College in the United States.
Franceska is a graduate of Brewster High School who was awarded a four-year scholarship to Bowdoin College worth more than 300,000 dollars. She was one of 1,755 students chosen from a field of more than 17,900 applicants to receive a scholarship to a top college or university through QuestBridge’s National College Match Scholarship.
QuestBridge’s National College Match Scholarship is a not-for-profit that connects the nation’s outstanding low-income students with leading colleges. Before the scholarship, she presented a policy paper to Governor Hochul, and sang at the All-State Music Festival in Rochester.
Franceska’s counselor, Kate Hammond stated though her achievement might look like a lottery or luck but its the result of her hardwork.”When I met Franceska I literally googled her! This kid has done more than most adults,” she said.
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Franceska said in an interview with Patch that academics, particularly the social sciences, first drew her to look at Bowdoin closely.
“I first chose to put Bowdoin on my list because of its impressive academic rigor. I also liked the location of Brunswick, ME. I’ve always been a fan of Maine and loved the idea of living there someday. I suppose that day is sooner than I thought, thanks to my admission to Bowdoin,” she said.
She mentioned that she was at All States in Rochester singing when she got an email from QuestBridge about the scholarship and she immediately reached out to her family so they could share the excitement.
“I was at All States in Rochester and I got an email from QuestBridge.My parents had gone out to get food and I told them to turn around. We decided beforehand that we’d call my grandparents,” Franceska said.
”It took a little time to get my grandparents on FaceTime because they are not very tech savvy–but I opened up the email and my mother started screaming and crying,” she added.
Franceska mentioned that the scholarship covers everything from room and board to traveling. She added that Bowdoin College also gives them a Macbook and an Apple pencil which her father was very happy about adding that she is grateful to be part of the QuestBridge community.
She mentioned that she wants to pursue legal and government studies. “My sixth-grade social studies teacher, Mr. Nelligan first got me interested in the world. It was the 2016 elections when other kids were watching Netflix, I was watching the news,” she said.
While in high school, Franceska was a member of the Putnam County Youth Court, a court made up entirely of teenagers there is a first-time offender, the kid appears in front of them and they act as judge.
”If the kid doesn’t get into trouble again, the records are sealed. That has introduced me to the legal system,” she said.
Franceska was also part of the Governor’s Youth Council. “I represent the Hudson Valley. We get a topic to work on and present our findings to the governor. This fall, we were asked to look into youth mental health. We researched and discussed the subject and presented a policy proposal to the governor,” she said.
She also mentioned that she also has a passion for singing. “I made Area All-State and then based on my scores, went to All-State. I would like to join a singing group at Bowdoin,” she said.
Franceska stated that she aspires to become a politician in the future because she plans to change the world.
”Maybe it has to do with being an older sister, my little brother was born three years ago and I have a sister who overcame some developmental delays. So, I feel like I’ve seen a lot. I want to make the world a better place,” she said.
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