Dominique DiSpirito
Name: Dominique DiSpirito
Major(s): Political Science, Minors in Legal Studies and Environmental Science, Honors College
Year in school: Third
Scholarship received: Truman Scholarship
Year received: 2021
General Questions:
How did you first hear about the Truman Scholarship?
I try to pay attention to a lot of major scholarships, primarily because I’m a first-generation college student, so I like to apply for any extra funding that I can. I also had Mark Brewer as a professor for my introductory political science course, and he mentioned the scholarship then. He stressed that it was important and prestigious, and that it was very worth my time to apply for it.
Where were you when you found out you had been selected as a Truman Scholar? Tell us the story!
I was actually feeling pretty stressed, it had been a very long week and I was pretty burnt out. I was playing a video game with my boyfriend when I got a call from a University number. I was worried at first, but when I answered the phone, it was the President of UMaine calling to tell me that I had received the scholarship. I immediately burst into tears, I was so excited.
Which aspects of the application process were the most challenging for you? How did you overcome these challenges?
I had a lot of external factors going on during winter break. I lost a family member, my brother got Covid, and overall it was a very stressful time. So there was a lot of time management and energy that I needed to muster in order to complete the application. I was so blown away by the support and flexibility that I received from Nives and Professor Brewer. The revision process while I was editing my essays was very overwhelming, but I definitely saw a lot of growth between my drafts. I really submitted that final draft knowing that I was proud of the work that I had done.
What did you do to prepare for the interview portion of this scholarship?
We had a mock interview, and I admittedly prepared far more for that than I did the actual interview. Generally I just continued reading through my essays, and tried to research a little more on the legacy of the Foundation, and any questions that I might have had. I am someone who tends to get into my own head a bit, and that was a big focus for me during this portion. I wanted to be sure that I could tell myself “I’ve got this”, and enter the interview with a good mindset.
What did you learn during the application process?
This application process really helped me to recognize my identity as a change-maker, which is something that I’ve really struggled to recognize in the past. This past semester, I struggled with some mental health challenges, which can really make you question whether you’re good enough and capable of doing the things that you are doing. This process really helped me more than actually receiving the scholarship. Sitting before a panel of lawyers and University professors was very intimidating, but it also gave me a lot of certainty that no matter the outcome of the application, I will make a difference and carry this project through.
Which of the benefits of the Truman Scholarship are you most excited about?
Primarily the network portion of the scholarship. The resources are amazing, but for me it’s the network and connections that mean the most. I’ve become a part of a cohort of students who want to make a difference in the world. I’ve had a few reach out already asking to grab coffee over Zoom, and I’m really excited to be able to connect with them and with alumni.
What do you hope to have an impact on in the future?
My primary focus is really community. I’m passionate about the environment, but the biggest thing that I have enjoyed within the University and outside of it, is when you are able to build a community around something. When you can get other people excited about your work. I’ll be a senior next year, and it’s really exciting to see younger students taking on leadership roles, especially because I hope to inspire others with my work. I tend to focus on community resilience, and how environmental efforts can help with community resilience.
What advice do you have for others who may be interested in applying for the Truman Scholarship?
You miss every chance that you don’t take. The process of taking on a risk, and beginning to believe in yourself enough to do that, is a very powerful process. It’s hard to craft an application and represent yourself in that way, but it’s very worthwhile and helpful to go through the process, regardless of the results.