2009 Maryland Scholarship Recipient – Caroline Lay
Caroline is planning on attending Monmouth University to eventually earn a medical degree and become a pediatrician. Caroline was heavily involved in community service during her time in high school and even volunteered at Sarah’s House – a homeless shelter for women and families. Coincidentally, Eric’s dad had volunteered there as well teaching computer skills. Caroline also enjoyed playing soccer and running track in high school. Caroline – it was a pleasure meeting you and we look forward to hearing great things about you. God’s best to you and your family.
January 2014 update:
Mr. and Mrs. Herzberg,
It is great hearing from you! I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Monmouth University on May 22, 2013 with a degree in Biology concentrated in molecular cell physiology and minors in both Chemistry and Health Studies (I attached some pictures from my graduation). While at Monmouth, I formed the Women’s Club Soccer team and we competed throughout the tri-state area. The team continues to grow and the program is very competitive in the New Jersey area. I also served as President of Monmouth’s Pre-Professional Health Society, a group of high achieving students who are interested in pursuing a career in medicine. I was able to spear head multiple community service events, ranging from local fundraisers to preparing and serving dinner at homeless shelters. Throughout my last year at Monmouth I worked nights as an Emergency Medical Scribe in two different local Emergency Rooms. The company I worked for was able to transfer to Baltimore Washington Medical Center when I moved back home after graduating.
I am currently in the application process for medical school, I had an interview last month at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, but I am still awaiting responses from other medical schools. Due to the astronomical cost of medical school and the additional loans I will incur, there is a possibility that I may have to apply to a Physician Assistant program instead. I hope all is well with you and your family, I will keep in touch and let you know of my future plans!
Sincerely,
Caroline Lay
Dear Caroline – it is great to hear from you! Look at all you have accomplished so far – congratulations! I know your family must be beaming with pride as are we. You have shown such great balance in your life – athletics, schoolwork, community service, both leading and serving. That is tremendous. Wendi and I will be praying that your plans will come to fruition.
Many blessings to you
Eric and Wendi Herzberg
February 2010 update:
Hello Mr. Herzberg,
Hope all is well back in Maryland with all of the snow! I wanted to share something with you that happened recently at a wedding that I attended with my parents. My parents were sitting at a table and everyone was discussing their children and colleges they were attending. My parents shared that I was at Monmouth University because of all of the scholarship money I was able to obtain. When my mom told the people at the table about Eric’s scholarship, there was a teacher there from Severna Park High School who taught Eric and spoke highly of him. My mom wants you to know that Eric is being remembered.
I just want to keep in touch and let you know that things are still going well at school. I made the Deans List for my first semester, but it wasn’t easy! Because of my grades and my involvement on campus, I have been asked to be a Peer Advisor for incoming freshmen next year.
Caroline Lay
Dear Caroline – thank you for sharing that story with us. Isn’t that an amazing coincidence that a teacher who knew Eric was sitting at the very table you were sitting at? What are the odds? I am glad that Eric is being remembered. He continues to inspire us by his example. I think of Eric many times each day. The families who are in our situation never get over it. If we are lucky, we find healthy ways to adapt and to honor the sons and daughters, husbands and wives, brothers and sisters who gave so much. I only hope that when I see Eric again, he is half as proud of me as I am of him.
Congratulations on making the Dean’s List! I am sure that being asked to be a peer advisor is only the beginning of many achievements that you have in front of you. We are VERY proud of you! Thank you so much for keeping us in your thoughts.
Warm regards
Eric and Wendi
October 2009 update:
Dear Mr. Herzberg, I just wanted to say hello and keep you update with my progress at Monmouth University. The University is everything I hoped it would be, but much harder! All of the classes I am taking are honors, and my major is biology, so my schedule is full of science courses. I am also working part time in the biology lab, so I am keeping very busy! I do find time to have fun. We had a “Battle of the Buildings” tournament over the weekend where all of the dorm buildings competed against each other. I was on my dorm’s obstacle course team. My dorm building turned out to be the champs! I’ll keep you updated. Hope all is going well with you!
Caroline Lay
Dear Caroline – thanks so much for the update. The first year away from home can be tough but it seems you’ve managed to strike a good balance between work, study and having fun. Thats a great life lesson and one that is a constant challenge to do well. Many blessings to you and your family!
Eric and Wendi
