Violet Goncarovs is from Ithaca, New York. "Music is perhaps my greatest passion," she says. "I feel so lucky to be able to pursue this interest on a professional level.

"I'm part of an international professional music fraternity -- Mu Phi Epsilon -- that does community service through music, such as fund-raisers for local music education programs. My other interests are yoga, reading, creative writing, spending time with family and friends, and practicing sustainable living. I also like to volunteer in the local community and keep up with local politics.

"Because of my difficult family situation and lack of monetary support, I have to be financially independent. Although I work two part-time jobs, scholarships like the Friends scholarship are really what make my education at IC possible. I'm so grateful for and humbled by this generosity. I look forward to the day when I might be able to help others in similar situations."