Student Stories

Opting to enroll in Riverland Community College with the Austin Assurance scholarship was a natural choice for me since it allowed me to stay close to my family. The scholarship has been instrumental in alleviating my financial burden, empowering me to save money for my future. The college's welcoming environment offers ample opportunities to interact with diverse individuals and benefit from the support and guidance of dedicated faculty and staff. I wholeheartedly recommend making the most of this exceptional opportunity to excel academically at your own pace while reaping the numerous benefits offered by the scholarship and the college.

Thank You to the Austin Assurance Scholarship for giving me the opportunity to attend college at no cost and no debt. I am getting my AA degree and am considering a career in Computer Technology. The Austin Assurance Scholarship is an excellent opportunity to take classes for my considered major and to figure out if it is something that I want to do. It is also an excellent way to open some doors to some new career opportunities as I am not sure at this point in my education if I am planning to go to a four-year college after I graduate at Riverland or if I am going to get a job somewhere. I also like that most of my close friends from high school are also here at Riverland. Thanks again to Austin Assurance Scholarship for this amazing chance of going to college and expanding my education.

After graduating high school, I was confused on what I wanted to do with my future. I didn’t know what career path I wanted take. Seeing the uncertainty of my future, I decided to use THFAAS and attend Riverland to see what I wanted to do with my future. And The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship allowed me to do that at no cost. I didn’t want to go to a university and accumulate debt trying to figure out my future. If you’re feeling lost or uncertain about your future, like I was, it’s okay. The scholarship is a perfect step to figuring out your future. You don’t need to rush straight into a 4-year university just because others are doing it. It’s okay to take slow and ease into it. The scholarship allowed me to see a clearer picture of my future. THFAAS always be the building block that started my future. After Riverland, I plan to transfer to a university to get my Teaching License.

“I am so grateful to have received The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship. Because of this scholarship I earned the first 2 years of my college education for free. This will help me as I work towards the field of Exercise Science and Physical Education in my future. I feel that I got the full college experience at Riverland and learned to be self-sufficient, self-motivated, and self-disciplined. This prepared me for my next step at a 4 year institution and ensured I was ready financially and emotionally before continuing my journey.”

“I chose to attend Riverland use the Austin Assurance scholarship so that I could stay close to home and be near my family. I hope to earn my AA degree here and then transfer to a university to earn a degree in psychology or counseling. This scholarship has helped me a lot in the sense that I am able to save money for my future and my family did not have to worry about helping me pay for college. There is so much to do at Riverland such as basketball games, River Days and other on campus events, meeting new people, and having people who can help you. My advice would be to take the opportunity to use this scholarship and to take your time to do your best in college. “

“Saving money and avoiding debt is the reason I chose to use the Austin Assurance scholarship. My family doesn’t have a lot of money and it is a miracle for me to have this opportunity. I hope to get into the industry when I am done with the Industrial Maintenance and Mechanics program here at Riverland. One day, I hope to teach this trade at the college level. I have the most amazing teachers and I get a lot of hands on experience using machines that I didn’t even know existed. My advice for future students would be to do your research and don’t be afraid to ask questions.”

“The Austin Assurance scholarship was the best option for me and my future. I saw this opportunity to earn a college degree for free and gain a lot of skills and knowledge and knew I had to take it. I hope to become a boiler operator at a company one day. I feel that this experience has moved me forward in life and I am excited for my future.“

“When I was presented with the opportunity to have the Austin Assurance scholarship pay for my tuition, I had to take it. This allows me to be a full time student and focus on my classes, rather than having to work full time to pay for college and having to take less credits at one time. This makes me feel like I’m not a financial burden on my parents and it takes a lot of pressure off me and my family. I hope to earn my AA degree and Coaching Certificate, and then transfer to Winona State to pursue a degree in teaching either Spanish or Physical Education at the high school and eventually college level. My advice would be to have students take this opportunity, why wouldn’t you? I have met so many people with all different backgrounds and have enjoyed gaining experience and building my resume as well.”

“With the Austin Assurance Scholarship, I am able to work less and focus more on studying. This helps me so much with the cost of books and school. I have gotten to take advantage of tutoring which has helped me with my grammar and becoming a better student. I plan to become a police officer and hope to serve the people in the Austin community one day. My advice to students would be to take advantage of the scholarship and make school a priority. “

“It was the perfect opportunity to stay at home in Austin while pursuing my education to become a social worker. Because of the scholarship, I don’t have to worry about paying tuition or asking my family to help me figure out how to cover college costs. Due to Riverland being smaller than some universities, I have a lot of support from my Advisors, Counselors, and Professors, free tutoring, smaller class sizes, and I know where to go whenever I need help.”

I enjoyed the nice environment at Riverland, it was friendly and the teachers were supportive. I have learned a lot with my time at Riverland. The Austin Assurance Scholarship is a great opportunity as it helps save money.

“The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship has been a huge benefit to my life. When I started high school, the idea of college was looming in the back of my mind. I had no idea where I was going, what I was going to major in, and how I was going to pay for everything. When I caught wind of THFAAS, I knew I wanted to apply for it. I knew it was going to take some work, as 50 hours of community service isn’t always the easiest thing to do, but I put in the work, and it paid off. When I heard I had received the scholarship, I was overjoyed.

THFAAS has helped me start my college journey without the worry of debt. I am working towards a degree in Business and my two Austin Assurance advisors have helped me plan out my classes and set me on the path for success. They have been there for me when I need support, whether related to school, mental health, or life I am so thankful for the opportunity this scholarship has given me.

“I am very thankful for the experience that I have had here at Riverland. The professors are professional and make students their priority when teaching. A special thanks to the Hormel Foundation for the Austin Assurance Scholarship! I plan to transfer to North Central University to major in Pastoral Studies.”

“The Austin Assurance Scholarship has helped me continue my education journey that I will continue to expand on. It made things easier for my family and me. I am able to attend my college classes without having to worry about the tuition expenses and stay close to home. This brings relief! It allows me to fully focus on my education and participate in the college events that take place. By attending Riverland, I have received amazing opportunities and have developed a growth mindset. I have learned useful knowledge in my college classes thanks to the great professors I have had that are welcoming, kind, and supportive. I have also joined clubs where I get to have fun, interact with other college students, and learn many useful qualities that has helped me grow as a person. With everything that I have learned I will be able to apply it in my life and career! Due to the Austin Assurance Scholarship, I am having a great college experience! I am beyond thankful! Gracias!”

“I graduated from Austin High School in 2022. I am so thankful for the Austin Assurance Scholarship because it has helped me so much financially and also gave me the motivation to go to college. I am attending Riverland and studying the Advanced Esthetics program. I completed my volunteer hours with the humane society and loved my time there, I still try to volunteer there from time to time. Thank you for the opportunity with this scholarship. I feel blessed and grateful!”

“I am thankful that the Austin Assurance Scholarship has granted me the opportunity to further my education. THFAAS is a huge benefit that I am thankful to have, I can now have a head start in my career without being in debt. I had completed my 50 volunteer hours with my friends, and it was a lot of fun to do so. There were a lot of chances to get out there and meet new people and gain new experiences. I have a lot of support from my advisors, classmates, faculty, and even have access to tutoring. I’m thankful for all the opportunities that this scholarship has given me.”

“Being a recipient of The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship has allowed me to save money and worry less about all the financial aspects of attending college. Attending Riverland Community College has given me a top-notch education, all while having great support from my staff and peers.” Allison will be attending the Carlson School of Management at The University of Minnesota this fall to work towards pursuing a career in the Business field.”

“Using The Hormel Foundation Austin Assurance Scholarship was a great opportunity for me, being that it is close to home and saves me so much money. I love not having to drive very far to school, and it is so nice to get help financially with the cost of my classes and books. I have been able to easily get involved throughout my time at Riverland and everyone has been very helpful. Right now, I am a squad leader and a field experience team lead in my Criminal Justice program. I hope to be a Correctional Officer and move my way up into the law enforcement field as a Police Officer. My dream job would be to work here in Austin and help the Austin community. My advice to students would be to use this amazing scholarship. Even if they are thinking of earning a 4 year degree, it makes the most sense to use the scholarship for 2 years and then to transfer to a 4 year school after. My other piece of advice to students would be to always use a planner and never be afraid to ask for help.”