Coming to UVM was a bold choice for Ginger; growing up in Texas, UVM wasn’t always on her radar. That all changed when a friend a year above her took the leap and made the move to Burlington. She stayed in contact with Ginger, relaying her amazing experiences during her own first year. That connection—combined with a desire to explore nature, escape the Texas heat, and get a taste of life on the East Coast—sparked something.
Ginger visited campus for the first time on a dreary spring day. But despite the pouring rain, campus was vibrant. She remembers thinking: “If this place can feel this alive in weather like this, it must be something special.”
UVM quickly became a top choice for her, and as college acceptances came rolling in, she learned that she had been admitted.
Still, choosing UVM wasn’t easy. Her family faced financial hurdles. She had been offered scholarship support, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap. Then came a moment she’ll never forget: the UVM Financial Aid Office called her one day during class.
“It showed up on my phone: UVM Financial Aid. I ran out of the room. They told me I had been awarded more scholarships than I originally expected. That moment changed everything.” She had received enough support to make her dream of attending UVM possible.
She Immediately Got Involved with All that UVM Has to Offer
Even before Ginger began her first year, she was already taking advantage of everything UVM had to offer. She joined the UVM GO program and traveled to Iceland, where she met other incoming freshmen, studied sustainable development, hiked volcanic landscapes, and soaked in geothermal springs—an experience she was able to take part in thanks to scholarship support.
When she arrived on campus, she quickly found her way academically because of standout professors like Bryan Ballif, who teaches biology and genetics. The little things Bryan did made a big impact and helped Ginger feel comfortable as she adjusted to university life. “He laminated our CATCard (student ID) photos just to remember our names. He asked us about our weekends. He really cared.”
Outside of class, she’s committed herself to service by joining Alpha Delta Pi, which volunteers at the local Ronald McDonald House, and is involved with UVM Feel Good, a student-run, nonprofit deli that donates their proceeds to support environmentalism, gender equality, and more—and they make a solid grilled cheese.
By participating in clubs, Ginger found her way back to dance, something that was a huge part of her life growing up. She now dances with UVM’s Dance Force, fitting creativity and movement into her busy schedule. She’s in the Pre-Med Student Association and the Pre-Physician Associate (PA) Club, and those experiences are helping her build a solid foundation for her future.
Of course, her first year wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. For example, she learned the hard way that Chuck Taylors weren’t acceptable snow boots. She's learned to adapt to life in winter—and in countless other ways since arriving last August.
When reflecting on her first year, Ginger said, “Before I came to UVM, meeting new people was intimidating. But now, every class I sit down in, there’s someone new next to me to meet. That’s what college is all about.”
Considering Graduate School and the Future Ahead
As she looks ahead to the future, she’s considering a one-year advanced master’s program. Her ultimate goal is to attend medical or PA school, ideally focusing on pediatrics or oncology. But for now, she’s savoring the experience of being a student—exploring Burlington with friends, discovering what she’s capable of, and embracing the challenge she set for herself when she chose to come to UVM.
One spring in the near future, she’ll be the one graduating. Her message to her future self on graduation day? “I hope that I’m proud of myself in the future. I hope that I lived in the moment here at UVM.”
Without the scholarship support Ginger received, she wouldn’t have been able to attend UVM or take advantage of the many opportunities here that have helped her grow so much in such a short time.
And she’s not alone—other incredible students like her wouldn’t be here without the generosity of donors.
That’s why Ginger is sharing her story: to represent all the students whose journeys have been made possible through your support.
“There are more people I know with scholarships than without here at UVM,” she told us.
“Giving to scholarships impacts so many people’s lives. For me personally, it was the reason I could choose UVM. Your generosity is something I think of and am thankful for every day. I wake up feeling lucky to be here.”
Take Action
Now is the time to support UVM students with a scholarship gift. Join Andrew in paying it forward to the next generation of Catamounts
You can also read three stories (and watch three videos) of current UVM students and alumni who have had their lives changed by donor-funded scholarships:
Summer of Scholarships: Meet 1st Year Student Ginger Larson '28
Cheryl Carmi
Jun 5, 2025