Community Foundation of the Lowcountry

British Open Pub Scholarship

Imagine losing your mother at a young age, having your father drop out of your life entirely, and being a caregiver for two younger siblings. Imagine this happening while still in high school. This is the life of Christina Neff. We could certainly understand if she complained about her circumstances, but she doesn't. Instead she takes an exceptional approach and has thrived in overcoming the challenges life has thrown her. Example one - in her senior year, her first and only year at Bluffton High School, she signed up for and excelled at the most difficult advanced placement courses offered. She enjoyed being in the room with the most intelligent students and feeling she belonged. Example two - for her physical education requirement, she took football and weight training - not giving a second thought to what her peers would think. She always wanted to learn how to play football and this was her chance. And according to her PE teacher, she not only thrived academically, but was a leader in the class. At graduation, she was third in a class of 148 and had a GPA of 4.49 on a 4 point scale. Impressive for any 18 year old with the constant support of family - astonishing considering her background. Believing "things can happen if you try hard enough", Tina applied for the British Open Pub scholarship knowing the competition was strong. But as with all challenges, she persevered and won the hearts of the scholarship committee, among them, Andrea Hayes. "After meeting Tina, there was no other choice to be made," said Andrea. "What she has been able to achieve...being in five high schools in four years, maintaining a high GPA with a difficult course load, it's just amazing." "We started the scholarship fund with students like Tina in mind," added Andrea. "...the ones who have to work a little harder than everyone else, the ones who may not be able to attend college without financial assistance." "I have met some wonderful people," said Tina, "and this scholarship has meant a great deal." Tina's looking at a career in education or possibly criminal justice - but her main focus is finding her place in the world that allows her to help people. "I believe you don't lose every time," reflected Tina, "sometimes you do win." With that said, on Friday, August 19, 2005 she headed for Clemson University - to face her next challenge.