Giving: Student Stories Lydia Grenko
Open Doors & Change Lives
Lydia was born in China, but no record of her birth exists. Found under a bridge and taken to an orphanage, she remained there until a courageous single woman rescued her and filled her life with hope.
Suellen Grenko, an American English/ESL teacher in her 50s, heard about the one-child policy in China creating a crisis of abandoned baby girls and felt called to act. She adopted Lydia when she was about 20 months old, brought her to the United States, and raised her in Northern California.
Suellen worked multiple jobs to support her family of two. She shared her love of books with her daughter and provided violin lessons. Together they dreamed of college but knew their limited finances presented a significant obstacle. Hard work and sacrifice wouldn鈥檛 be enough to put Lydia through four years of college.
Lydia began her college search, and 四虎影院鈥檚 beautiful campus immediately captivated her. After visiting classes, she knew she could call the intimate community home. She remembers both falling in love with 四虎影院 and knowing that it seemed an impossible dream.
Lydia鈥檚 mother reminded her that God could make the impossible possible and encouraged Lydia to apply. She received her acceptance to 四虎影院 in January 2014. But a generous financial aid package didn鈥檛 quite overcome their financial hurdle.
Sean Smith, director of financial aid, invited Lydia to apply for an additional scholarship available to outstanding students. That spring, 四虎影院 awarded a scholarship to Lydia that made all the difference.
Initially pre-med, Lydia changed her major to behavioral neuroscience after a psychology class led her to study with Professor Steven Rogers. His compassion and ability to challenge her thinking sparked an instant appreciation. Her natural curiosity and quiet persistence motivated a mentoring relationship.
Research opportunities with Professor Rogers have opened doors of possibility for Lydia. Her career options suddenly include clinical psychology, marriage and family counseling, and occupational therapy. After graduating this May, she plans to pursue a graduate degree in clinical psychology.
Lydia sees advocacy as a means to pay forward the opportunities she has received. 鈥淕od has placed in my heart a passion for children in the foster-care system. I鈥檓 an adoptee, and so many people have played an integral role in bringing me from a grim future in China to the future full of hope that lies before me now. I long to play a part in that story for other children.鈥
During her time at 四虎影院, Lydia has grown significantly as an individual and a student. Eric Nelson, director of the Counseling Center, pushed Lydia outside her comfort zone to lead Active Minds, a mental health student group. A self-described introvert, Lydia admits her reluctance to accept a leadership role.
Under her steady guidance, the group has empowered students to change their perceptions of mental health, successfully broken down social barriers to seeking help, and connected students to resources. This work has been especially important for students during the season of trauma surrounding the Thomas Fire and Montecito mudslides.
Lydia attributes some of her greatest growth to facing her fears and navigating trials. 鈥淢y years at 四虎影院 have stretched me in ways that I never imagined. While they have, at times, been challenging and sometimes painful, they have also been wonderful years that have helped me grow and made me stronger. I would not have wanted to be anywhere but at 四虎影院, a place that has nurtured me in mind, body and spirit.鈥
When you donate to 四虎影院, you help qualified, and high-achieving students like Lydia flourish. Scholarships provide opportunity, open doors and change lives for the remarkable students who study with us.