Scholarship Makes for Well-Rounded Oxford Experience

The second of four children, Robert Hight 14OX knew academic success was his ticket to college admission and that scholarship support was the only way he would be able to attend. The Covington, Georgia, native earned valedictorian honors in his high school graduating class and is a Martin Luther King Jr. Scholar at Oxford. As a freshman he earned the Andy Autry General Chemistry Award for outstanding freshman chemistry students.

Why did you choose Oxford College?

I wanted to stay in state, so I applied to large and small universities, but I knew I wanted to really know my professors and have personal relationships with them. I was accepted to both Emory College and Oxford College, but after visiting Oxford and talking to the students and faculty, I knew this is where I wanted to be. I never expected to be this close to home, but I love the sense of community here.

What other opportunities has Oxford College provided?

I came to Oxford because of the opportunities available for research. I want to build all of the skills I will need early on, but I want to stay open-minded. I’d like to take classes in political science, psychology, calculus, statistics, and child development. I want to see what those disciplines are about.

What are your interests outside of classwork, and how has your scholarship helped you?

I am a Leadership Oxford sophomore leader, the treasurer for the Asian Culture Club, and a work-study supplemental instructor in chemistry. I am grateful that my scholarship allows me the flexibility to balance academics, campus activities, and time with the many friends I’ve made since coming to Oxford.

What does it mean to you to be the recipient of a scholarship?

It means the world to me that people are willing to contribute to help me achieve my dreams. It proves that if you do well, people will believe in you and help you realize your potential. I hope to be able to give that to someone else one day.