Here we are, approaching holiday season at breakneck speed. In just a few short weeks we'll be with family and friends for food, football, and fiscal stimulation! 
But most of all, we'll be remembering what we're thankful for.
This past weekend I got an early taste of Thanksgiving in the form of a scholarship banquet at my alma mater . This was an opportunity for all the student scholarship recipients and their families to connect with their scholarship sponsors, and as a member of an alumni board that awards eight annual scholarships, I had the honor of attending.
There wasn't any turkey, but there was no shortage of gratitude.
That's not a surprise, since families are struggling more than ever to keep up with college costs. According to a recent publication by the College Board , average published tuition, fees, and room and board for in-state students at public four-year colleges and universities in 2008-09 is $14,333. For private colleges and universities, the cost jumps to $34,132.
Yikes. With numbers like these, every scholarship counts when paying for college.
At the banquet, Kelsey, a spunky junior majoring in music and education, went out of her way to thank me for her scholarship. In addition to her full-time coursework, she works two jobs, volunteers in an at-risk classroom, and participates in a host of extracurricular activities like choir and theatre. Kelsey made it clear that without the investments of others, she wouldn't be having the meaningful college experience that she is.
So for the giving and receiving of Kelsey's college scholarship, I'm thankful. Who knows what contributions this hardworking young woman will go on to make — what impacts she'll have in the lives of her future students?
If you've received a scholarship to help pay for school, how have you expressed your gratitude? Or if you've given one, why are these investments important to you?
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