An Arizona State University student who has spent years in service to her Mesa, Arizona, community has been named a Truman Scholar, the nation’s most prestigious award for undergraduates who are pursuing careers in public service.
Yudidt Nonthe Sanchez, who is pursuing a degree in public service and public policy with an emphasis in law and policy, became ASU’s 23rd Truman Scholar since the inception of the program in 1977.
Nonthe, a first-generation college student who plans to graduate from ASU in December, would like to use the prize money to attend the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law and then run for office.
She found out she won the award during a surprise Zoom call on April 5 with ASU President Michael Crow and Provost Nancy Gonzales.
“I think I blacked out,” she said. “There’s no way that I’m being told this. After that, I just couldn’t think.”
Nonthe is one of 60 Truman Scholars nationwide, who were selected from 709 candidates. Applicants must demonstrate outstanding leadership potential, a commitment to a career in government or the nonprofit sector, and academic excellence.
Each Truman Scholar receives $30,000 for graduate studies, plus leadership training, career counseling and special internship and fellowship opportunities within the federal government.
“For students who aspire to careers in public service, the Truman Scholarship is the biggest award there is,” said Kyle Mox, associate dean of national scholarship advisement in the Office of National Scholarships Advisement at ASU.
“Not a lot of people appreciate how much hard work goes into winning a Truman Scholarship. Between the numerous drafts of the application, which includes several essays and a policy proposal, and the multiple practices interviews, the entire process of applying for Truman spans several months.
“Yudidt is a remarkable young woman who represents many of the best parts of the ASU Charter, including a deep commitment to the economic, social, cultural and overall health of the communities that we serve.”
Nonthe, who graduated from Westwood High School in Mesa, is a transfer student, having earned an associate degree at Mesa Community College. Her path in higher education was a winding one. She took time off to go on a mission to Brazil with her church, where she learned Portuguese, and also stepped back to take care of her health.
In community college, she started as a nutrition major and had an internship with the Smithsonian National Zoo in Washington, D.C.
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