>> Welcome to Aspiration, a podcast series from the Indiana University Foundation. Aspiration highlights just a few Indiana University students from both undergraduate and graduate programs across the state. Each featured student benefits from the generosity of donors, IU's loyal alumni and friends whose support makes today's dreams and aspirations become reality in tomorrow's world. IU alumnus and donor Jesse Cox believes in the values of hard work and sound education. That's why he created the Jesse H. and Beulah Chanley Scholarship in 2005 to reward Indiana University Bloomington and IUPUI undergraduates who excel in academic achievement while working part time. 

>> To pay for her education, 26 year old Esther Earbin has held as many as three jobs as once. That work ethic and a fine grade point average make this Indianapolis native a fitting candidate for the Cox Scholarship. But Ester, a Visual Communications major, has another reason to work hard and keep her grades up, and her name is Junila [assumed spelling]. 

>> My daughter's name combines two African words "ju" [phonetic] meaning magnetic and "nila" [phonetic] means winner. In a way Junila is attending IU with me. She comes to my meetings for the various student organizations I'm a part of. She even accompanies me to the art studio. I can remember a couple of nights last semester when I set up a movie for her to watch while I worked. I think she might be a little envious. She thinks mommy's school lets her draw all day, but I tell you that I have to do a lot of reading and a lot of math before you can get to where I am at school. 

>> Esther juggles coursework and motherhood, along with a parttime position at the Marion County Health Department, where she was encouraged to pursue her education. 

>> I have supervisors and people that I look up to who told me that I have the talent to go further, but it was hard. I had a decent position that supported Junila and me. I didn't want to be in that position forever, but I know I didn't want to struggle through school. In the long run, I knew the sacrifice would be worth it for better education. 

>> Esther first studied computer programming, but a final class project suggested her true talent and passion. 

>> We had to design computer manuals, and what I really enjoyed was the creative part. My professor was so enthusiastic about my design that I began to think about changing my major to Visual Communications, and that was scary too. I was starting a new major at an age when most people were starting their careers. But the same wonderful people who encouraged me to go back to school also encouraged me to pursue my talent, so I made the leap. 

>> Now, Esther envisions a future in marketing and brand management, and her Cox Scholarship is a critical part of her plan. 

>> My scholarship from Mr. Cox helps me so much not just with the cost of art supplies and tuition, but also with the additional time that I have to spend with Junila. I want to be a good role model for her. And I want her to see that studying what you are good at and love is fun and rewarding. That if you try hard, you can overcome obstacles and end up a better person. I want her to know that if she makes good choices and works hard, she'll be able to make her own dreams come true. 

>> Thanks for listening to this Indiana University Foundation Podcast. This marks the final installment in the Aspiration series. Next month we'll bring you a new podcast series about the many ways private support is enhancing IU now and for the future. If you'd like to learn more about how private support helps Indiana University every day, please visit us at iufoundation.iu.edu. 

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==== Transcribed by Automatic Sync Technologies ====