![\"SIU](\"https:\/\/blog.siuf.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2018\/05\/DSC_6072w.jpg\")
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It didn\u2019t take long for Nyah Addison to feel a deep connection to SIU.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe main reason I came to SIU was the community,\u201d she said. \u201cMy mom\u2019s best friend went to SIU. The alumni are wonderful. It\u2019s a family-type of feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n
A business student from Chicago, Nyah received the University Excellence Scholarship. It is available to academically high-achieving high school students who have demonstrated leadership skills.<\/p>\n
The financial assistance played an integral role in her decision to attend SIU and decreased the stress that comes with making such an important life decision.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe scholarship was the tip over the edge for me coming here,\u201d she said. \u201cI wanted to make sure I didn\u2019t put too much on myself as far as loans are concerned. Without the scholarship, I probably wouldn\u2019t be here.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before learning about the scholarship, Nyah considered attending a community college, but she\u2019s thankful for the opportunity to be on a university campus and enjoy all the benefits it provides.<\/p>\n
\u201cCommunity college is OK, but this is a completely different atmosphere here,\u201d she said. \u201cI\u2019m actually able to be on campus, be around the alumni and my peers. The scholarship was a big help to me, and I know it\u2019s a big help for others.\u201d<\/p>\n
While scholarships can help attract prospective students to the university, Nyah said it\u2019s the Saluki experience that makes the time here special.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe community is great,\u201d she said. \u201cEverybody is really helpful, really nice. My overall experience has been great. I really enjoy that community feeling.\u201d<\/p>\n