Name: Seth Merritt
Classification: Graduate
Major: Biology/Pre-Med w/ a minor in Chemistry
Hometown: Fort Mill, South Carolina
Primary Volunteering Site: Anne Springs Close Greenway
What makes the Close Scholars Program special to you?
It helps shape me into a better person by giving back to the community. The community does so much for its citizens, and giving back helps form closer connections with others and provides a sense of purpose in life. It also allows me to discover new skills in the long run.
What do you love about the Close Scholars Program?
I love that they give $5K towards students’ financial aid for a school year when students volunteer 112 hours per semester and maintain a solid 3.0 GPA or higher. The program pushes a student to do more than just succeed in academics. It pushes students to dedicate time to other activities around the community as well as keeping in touch with members that may contact you again after graduating from Winthrop.
Why should incoming first-year students apply to the Close Scholars Program?
It helps remind them of the importance of giving back to their community as well as something to put on resumes and cover letters while applying for jobs. It increases the chances of a student finding a well-paying job that they will enjoy and pursue after graduating from Winthrop. Also, I believe that it will help the families of students struggling to pay for college.
As a servant leader, what advice do you have for Winthrop students in general?
Completing 112 hours of community service per semester is a lot harder than it looks, especially during a pandemic. I believe that if you are able to balance enough time between academics, a paying job (if you have one) and volunteering, you will be able to fulfill the requirements needed to maintain this scholarship.
What has been your favorite community service experience and why?
My favorite community service experience would probably be helping with the parking lot for the local concerts that the Greenway hosts in the fall. This is because I see a lot of familiar faces from my youth and it brings me so much joy that I can get to see them after so many years, like teachers, classmates from high school, old neighbors, etc.
Fun Fact :-)
I have been an Eagle Scout for nearly five years!
Favorite Book
The Bible
"Lord of the Flies"
"Of Mice and Men"
Favorite Performer
Maroon 5
Favorite Hobby
Camping, hiking, backpacking, swimming, spending time with friends and family, and watching movies, etc.