Transfer Opportunities Give Student a Chance to Succeed
Born in Zimbabwe, Dharmesh Patel saw his local college close due to political violence and economic depression. After getting a green card he came to the United States and went to work in the oil fields of Texas before he had the opportunity to attend Richland College in Dallas.
Soon he earned a 4.0 grade point average, qualifying him for Phi Theta Kappa membership. “Ironically, through bad advice, I was skeptical about joining Phi Theta Kappa initially,” Patel admits, “But after attending an orientation session, I never turned back once. I learned how being a member would enhance my personal and scholastic potential, while allowing me to actively serve my community.”
He served as the website administrator for the chapter’s online group; in the hallmark areas of scholarship, leadership, and service; and as co-chair of the World War II Remember Project. Patel also served in leadership positions for the college’s Creating Peace and Justice Club and as a Big Brother to a 10-year-old boy.
He participated in numerous community initiatives for Operation Green, Phi Theta Kappa’s International Service Program with Keep America Beautiful; including Graffiti Wipe Out, the Trinity River Clean Up, and conducting a litter index for the city of Dallas. In addition Patel undertook a project to host an event addressing the Holocaust, using it as a platform to challenge others to address the genocide occurring in Darfur.
“Receiving Phi Theta Kappa scholarships gave me the confidence, strength and determination to pursue my dreams and become a leader and role model in my community,” he said. “I am extremely grateful for the opportunities these scholarships gave me - as they presented me with numerous possibilities I had never thought possible.”
“Through recognition from these awards, participation in chapter activities and guidance from my advisors, Professor Larry Polk and Ms. Aliene Pylant, I gained entry and scholarships into the top three business schools in Texas (University of Texas-Austin, Southern Methodist University and Texas Christian University) and my eventual destination, Cornell University.”
Patel said he would encourage those who are able to support scholarship programs such as Leaders of Promise and the Guistwhite Scholarship Programs, which made his education possible. “Within our community we have several gifted and aspiring students, who without the help of scholarship donors may never reach their full potential due to financial constraints,” he explained.
Patel is majoring in Industrial and Labor Relations at Cornell University, and plans a career as a financial advisor. “I believe that our society is financially imprisoned through lack of knowledge,” he said.” I want to acquire this knowledge and help families prepare to save for college tuition and educate them about staying debt-free.”
Contribute to Our Endowment
Contribute today to these Giving Opportunities by completing a Letter of Intent, especially for contributing to the endowment, or a Donor Card. Both are PDFs.
