Spring Winner of the Resilient Student Scholarship

Peyton Hennig

After her family endured several life-changing tragedies, Peyton stepped into the role of caregiver. The experience came with many challenges, but she managed to balance this responsibility alongside her education. We congratulate Peyton for her hard work and determination to support her family.

Read her essay:

Growing up in a divorced household, I quickly learned what it meant to take on responsibility. After my parents’ separation, I primarily lived with my father and found myself adjusting to a changing family dynamic. New siblings came into the picture, and I took on the role of a caregiver for my younger siblings, helping to manage household responsibilities while also offering emotional support. This responsibility shaped my character in ways that most people my age have yet to experience.

That sense of responsibility became even more pronounced when my father passed away this fall. On November 1st, after a sudden battle with stage 4 colorectal cancer, I lost my father, who was the primary provider for our household. On that same day, my stepmother was critically injured in a drunk driving accident, suffering a broken spine and third-degree burns. The challenges that followed were overwhelming, and I had to return to Illinois to care for my two preschool-aged brothers. I became the primary caregiver, managing finances, making funeral arrangements, and ensuring my brothers were safe and cared for while my stepmother recovered.

This period gave me the opportunity to put into practice the time management and organizational skills I’ve developed over the years. Growing up with the responsibilities of a divorced household, I had already learned to juggle family obligations with schoolwork. But now, in the face of tragedy, I’ve honed these skills even further and learned how to balance caregiving, working to support myself, and excelling academically. Despite the overwhelming circumstances, I managed to return to Madison and finish the semester with a 4.0 GPA. This experience has only strengthened my resolve to succeed, both for myself and for my family.

The financial burdens of these events have further complicated my situation. My father’s passing left behind significant debt, and with my family’s limited resources, I am unable to rely on them for support. Despite receiving the maximum Pell Grant, I’ve had to take out $47,000 in student loans to cover tuition, and I also work 20 hours a week as a nanny to help pay for rent and living expenses. These financial pressures can be mentally exhausting, but they’ve also made me more focused and determined to succeed. I know that earning my degree will allow me to one day provide for my family, just as I’ve been doing in the wake of my father’s passing. The Resilient Student Scholarship would provide me with the financial relief I need to focus on my education and continue to support my family. I am determined to succeed, and this scholarship would help me take the next step in achieving that success.