2022 Unigo Sweet and Simple Scholarship Winner Posted byUnigo Staff June 6, 2022January 11, 2023 At Unigo, we believe that the simple things in life are often the sweetest. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the winner of our Sweet and Simple Scholarship. We received an incredible 1,222 applications this year and we are truly humbled by all of the amazing students who applied. We read each and every entry and had so much fun learning about you all. So thank you all for participating and we can’t wait to do it again next year! The essay asked “Not every gift has to be expensive or extravagant. In fact, sometimes it’s the sweet and simple things that make a real difference in our lives. Think back and tell us about something you received as a gift and why it meant so much to you.” Scarlett Chavez from Joliet, IL and a student at University of Illinois at Urbana had the winning answer. She joins our list of Unigo scholarship winners and we couldn’t be prouder. Read Scarlett’s winning essay below. Winning scholarship entry “How could someone be so kindhearted towards a stray Spanish-speaking child wandering in the ample aisles of a school library? That was my question as I stared at my first sketchbook. I remember being in second grade: doodling on loose papers as most children do, going to the library often to check out books, and studying in the large, boxy computers. I never anticipated anyone constantly watching me from afar. One day, the librarian with the warm smile and shiny white hair called me over and gave me a black sketchbook, about a third of the size of my body at the time. She whispered to me, “I know how hard you’ve been working and I know you’ll do wonders in here”. She inspired me to continue art throughout my entire life. It’s truly the best way to cope with emotions, especially as a teenager going through stressful and life-changing events. With the sketchbook I was gifted, I filled up the pages and expressed myself with my own creativity. My love of art grew by a simple act of kindness that sparked the flame in my heart and allowed me to win many art competitions and sell my own art to others. I am able to share my talents and hobbies with people all over the world simply because one person decided to make a significant impact in my life. I have dozens of sketchbooks, canvases, and other art supplies, but I still have the sketchbook to this day.” Scholarship tips from our winner Highlight the most special aspects about yourself and search based on that. Don’t give up!Make a schedule to apply for scholarships and whenever you have free time. Be sure to bookmark scholarships because you never know what you can win.