Ellis - Confessions of a scholarship winner: the secrets that helped me win $500,000 in free money for college: how you can too!

GodWords can't express how much I love you and how thankful I am that you've been here for me all along, even in those times when I ran from you and didn't trust you. Thank you for loving me more than humanly possible and for being with me every step of my life.

MomIf it hasn't been clear enough throughout the book, I'll tell you again: I love you and think you're the best mom ever! Thank you for giving up your life for mefor letting me grow up in the United States when you would have been happier in Venezuela, for working from home so you could be there for me, for sitting through hours of boring practices, and for always smiling when I looked up to see you in the stands. You were so selfless and dedicated in raising us, and I will always remember the sacrifices you made to make me who I am today!

DadEven though our time together was cut short, you made the most of the time we had and left me with so many formative memories to cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you for pushing through your pain during your battle with cancer, to make such a strong, positive impression on me. I wish you were here to see me today. I know you'd be so proud of your little girl. I'll never forget you, and I'll always carry a part of me with you. I love you, Dad, forever.

MarkWe've come so far together. You've always had my back and been such a motivator for me. You've helped shape me into who I am and have inspired me to go after big dreams. I couldn't be more proud of you and everything you are doing! Thank you for being my cheerleader, example, and friend.

TonnaYou've loved me like your own child my whole life, and I can't thank you enough. From coming to visit me every spare moment you had, to allowing me to ask you awkward questions about boys and life, to literally saving my life in one phone call, you've dropped everything to be there for me more times than I can count. You've always been such a role model, encouragement, and friend to me, and I know I wouldn't be here today without you. Thank you.

DuaneEven though I hadn't known you very long when my dad passed, you stepped in and were there for me more than anyone could ever expect an uncle-in-law to be. I'll never forget being nine and you talking to me about economics, politics, and business. Even though I had no clue what you were talking about at the time, in so many ways you were shaping my thinking, and I'll forever be deeply grateful for that. Thank you for being such a positive male influence in my life.

SlateThank you for being my best friend. Not only have you encouraged, supported, and motivated me at every step of the writing process, you've sat with me for hoursbrainstorming, editing, and proofreading every single page. You have gone so far above and beyond to support me in this dream, and I don't know if I'll ever be able to express how truly grateful I am for you. You are such a blessing in my life and to this book!

Grandma and Grandpa EllisTo the only people who have officially seen every single place I've lived since I was in college, thank you! I am so grateful for all the times you made the four-hour drive to visit and remind me how much I am loved. Your 50+ trips to Haiti set a shining example of what it means to serve the world and give back. Your constant love and support of me are constant reminders of my dad's heart. Thank you for everything you've done throughout my life to help me get to this place.

David SamsYou saw the vision for this book and believed in me from our very first conversation. The book would not have been possible without you, and I'm so thankful for everything you've done to make it happen. Thank you for all the times you helped me brainstorm, sold others on the purpose of this book, and shared your incredible advice. You've been a mentor, business partner, and friend at every step, and I'm so thankful for everything you've done.

Kris BearssYou are the best executive editor anyone could ever dream of! You definitely went above and beyond. Thank you for pushing me to dig deeper within myself and share my story with students, and for always being there to answer my questions. I didn't know that writing this book would lead to such a beautiful friendship, but I'm so thankful for it!

ChanceI don't know if you realize how much you helped me write this book. You have been a constant reminder of my purpose and passion for creating this book and helping students. Thank you for trusting me and allowing me to walk through life with you. I know God has huge plans for you and that you are going to have a powerful impact on the world. I am publicly declaring that I will ALWAYS be here for you, and I feel so blessed to get to help you through in any way I can!

Worthy TeamI feel so fortunate to have each and every member of your talented, supportive team backing this book! You captured the vision for this project from the beginning and provided me with everything I needed to bring it to fruition. And you didn't just work to put out another book; you truly became passionate with me about reaching students and making this difference. Thank you for believing in me, for believing in the book, and for surrounding me with help at every stage of the publishing process. I truly feel so blessed!

Book ContributorsI want to say a huge thank you to everyone who contributed knowledge, research, stories, and information to this book. The body of information I was able to compile would not have been possible without the students who filled out surveys, the scholarship administrators who allowed me to interview them, and the scholars who shared their stories with me. Thank you so much for supporting me in this process and for sharing your wisdom and experience.

For more information on the author, visit:

KristinaEllis.com

To contact Kristina for speaking opportunities, media requests, or interviews, please send an e-mail to:

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