Hope Scholar, Olivia Lancellotta, Juggled Classes, Work and Evening Performances

RIC Senior, Olivia Lancellotta, Reflects on How the Hope Scholarship Has Impacted Her:

“I’m a senior, double majoring in musical theatre and communication. By spring semester of my sophomore year, I was in a really tough situation. I was in all the shows, which I’m super grateful for, but I wasn’t able to work as many hours because of it. I ended up getting a job in a coffee shop where I’d go in at 6 a.m. before classes started, then go to classes at 10 a.m. and remain on campus until 10 at night for rehearsals or shows.

“In my junior year I couldn’t commute anymore because being in shows made it hard to drive home late at night, so I decided to live on campus. That was a huge financial decision. Last year I had to take out a $20,000 loan.

“When I received an email telling me I qualified for the Hope Scholarship, I thought, ‘This is crazy. Is this real?’ I was super excited.

“Being a double major, I’ve gone over the standard number of credit hours each year, which means my tuition is higher each year. In order to graduate in four years with two majors and a minor, I had to massively exceed the normal credit load. This semester I’m taking 27 credits. It’s incredible that the Hope Scholarship will pay for those extra credit hours.

“I’m extremely grateful I ended up at Rhode Island College, because I can’t imagine a better place for me. The faculty and staff are absolutely incredible and super supportive, and my education has been extremely immersive. I’m super grateful.”

Learn more on the Hope Scholarship website.

Hear testimonials from other students: Jacqueline Carroll, Meghan LaFlamme, Moses Nicolau, Marissa North, Ariel Polanco, Remi Salako and Tytain Sun.