MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Katie Caugiran is proof that hard work pays off. The Matthew C. Perry High School 2004 valedictorian has received 10 scholarships in her junior and senior years of high school, totaling $15,000.
After going the extra mile in her high school career and her scholarship search, the 17-year-old Filipina is reaping big rewards.
Caugiran's winning efforts began with a search for opportunities that would help pay her way through college.
Even though there are various scholarships out there, Caugiran knew they wouldn't just fall into her lap. She began applying for those available to Station students, and later signed up at www.fastweb.com, an internet scholarship database that matches students with scholarships they are eligible for.
Writing essays are the most challenging aspect of a scholarship application, and the competition is usually hefty.
"High school has been all about time management," Caugiran said. "You really have to find the time to think about what to say when you have to write an essay about what legacy you want to leave behind or what you want to do with your future."
Yet, with her ever-present smile and outgoing disposition, it's easy to tell that something sets this girl apart.
"Most people are intimidated that there are all these other people who are going to apply," she said. "It's not so much having confidence as it is having the will power to actually turn in the application."
Caugiran's discipline has paid off. With her first year of school already paid for, she looks forward to attending the University of California at Santa Barbara this fall.
I want to get into broadcast journalism and possibly double major in international relations," she said. "I hope to work overseas a lot."
"It would not surprise me to see her as an anchor woman for a major television network," said David Tran, M.C. Perry High School vice president. "I look to hear great things about her in the future."
Tran said Caugiran was an outstanding student throughout high school.
"Academic record and extracurricular activities aside, Katie's positive personality is really what sets her apart," Tran said.
"It's all about just getting up and putting yourself out there," Caugiran offered. "If you never get yourself out there, your just going to stay exactly where you started."