Ogden Honors junior awarded prestigious Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service

Cobi Wright, a native of Harlem, NYC, and an Ogden Honors junior majoring in psychology with minors in sociology and Spanish, was recently awarded the prestigious Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service also known as the Voyager Scholarship.

The Voyager Scholarship was created by the Obamas and Brian Chesky, Co-Founder and CEO of Airbnb to help shape such leaders. Even though they come from different backgrounds, both the President and Brian believe that exposure to new places and experiences generates understanding, empathy, and cooperation which equips the next generation to create meaningful change.

The 2023-2025 cohort of 100 Voyagers represent 33 states and territories, 74 colleges and universities. They are an inspiring group of young people who are eager to bridge divides and take on the world’s biggest challenges.

The scholarship gives college students financial aid to alleviate the burden of college debt, meaningful travel experiences to expand their horizons, and a network of mentors and leaders to support them. 

Wright's motivation to apply for the Voyager Scholarship for Public Service stems from her aspiration to become an adolescent therapist. She recognizes that education is vital, but believes that real-world experiences and exposure to diverse perspectives are equally crucial. The scholarship's unique travel component aligns perfectly with her vision, offering her the opportunity to engage with individuals from various backgrounds and gain invaluable insights.

Wright’s dedication to service has undoubtedly made her a competitive candidate for this scholarship. “Service is not just something I do in my free time; it is a fundamental part of who I am. I have always sought out opportunities to help others, whether through volunteering or working for organizations that align with my values,” she notes. “My dedication to service, combined with my passion for adolescent therapy, allowed me to draw on valuable insights from my personal experience and provide authentic responses to the application questions.”

Although Wright is not currently involved in undergraduate research, she eagerly anticipates the process of conducting research for her Honors Thesis, viewing it as an exciting next step in her academic journey.  She would love for her thesis to focus on social-emotional learning as a form of culturally responsive mental healthcare and how to better support students' mental health needs in the education system.

Wright acknowledges the pivotal role played by the Honors College in her journey to success. She emphasizes, "I have connected with people who inspire me to pursue my passions with confidence. I attribute much of my success in scholarship applications to my ability to convey my strengths and personal interests through my accomplishments, enabling me to stand out as a competitive applicant. The support network I have cultivated through the honors college has been invaluable in motivating me to always strive for excellence and approach every challenge with confidence."

For Wright, the most thrilling aspect of receiving the Voyager Scholarship is the opportunity to explore new places and cultures while embarking on her public service journey. This scholarship not only provides financial support for travel but also connects her with a network of mentors who will guide and support her in making the most of this unique experience. Wright is confident her upcoming Summer Voyage will provide her with the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve her future professional goals.

Wright's journey to winning this exceptional scholarship is a testament to her resilience and determination. She's applied to numerous scholarships, faced rejections, and encountered moments of discouragement. Yet, she emphasizes the importance of consistency in the application process. “I have applied to hundreds of scholarships to pay for my college education, and although not winning a scholarship (or sometimes not even receiving a response) can be discouraging, it is important to remain consistent in the application process. Consistency not only increases your chances of winning but also allows you to refine your writing abilities and discover additional organizations and resources to assist you in your academic journey,” she encourages. 

Her unwavering commitment to public service, dedication to her studies, and resilience make her a deserving recipient of the Obama-Chesky Scholarship for Public Service. As she embarks on this exciting journey, we can only anticipate the remarkable contributions she will make to society in the years to come.