Hailey Covarrubias, Emily and Eric Olsen Scholarship
Hailey Covarrubias ’25 could fairly be described as an ideal student — academically driven, well-rounded, with a demonstrated commitment to increasing quality education access for children, and an ambassador for the need-based scholarship program that got her to the University of Georgia.
“Everything I have done with the help of this scholarship has been to carry on the legacy that my abuela envisioned for my father,” Hailey explained. “They both made so many sacrifices for me to have a better life, so I’m very proud to take advantage of any opportunity that comes my way for them.”
From double majoring in elementary education and psychology to pursuing a Double Dawgs degree in the former, Hailey — a Georgia Commitment Scholarship Ambassador — hit the ground running as soon as she came to UGA.
“I’ve always had an intrinsic drive to get an education and work hard, but I’ve also been inspired by my father who is the hardest working person I know,” Hailey said. “I want to do whatever I can to make him proud and do all the things that he never had the opportunity to do.”
Receiving the Georgia Commitment Scholarship was a gamechanger, Hailey said. Prior to that, her dreams of attending university were clouded by the prospect of taking out countless student loans while juggling multiple jobs and an inescapable feeling of hopelessness.
“It was the first time in my life that I could see the results of all my hard work and my family’s hard work,” Hailey said of receiving the scholarship.
It is no secret that UGA provides a slew of resources for its students, many of which Hailey credits with her success on campus thus far. One-on-one advisement, professional development opportunities from the Career Center, and top-tier faculty who deeply care about their students all have given Hailey the stepping stones she needs to access her potential.
“The staff and faculty that I have met through this scholarship program have been so incredible and genuinely caring,” she said. “As a first-generation student, I had so many questions and uncertainties, but everyone on campus has been willing and excited to help me figure things out both personally and professionally.”
For Hailey, knowing that her scholarship came from donors’ generosity has illuminated just how impactful giving back can be. “This scholarship has literally altered the course of my life, and knowing firsthand how important it has been for me makes me realize that the actions we take can really make a difference in other people’s lives.”
Donors have provided Hailey with a tangible way to change her life story and honor her family’s sacrifices. Something less tangible but no less important, however, has been the renewed sense of hope Hailey has for the future as a result of her donors’ generosity.
“It’s given me a sense of freedom and control over my story,” she said. “It’s amazing to think that these scholarships have provided other students that same freedom and hope for the future and that I have a small part in that big story is such an honor.”
