2023 R.F. Wittmeyer Community Service Scholarship Winner: Leigh Jahnke
Biography:
I am from a small town called West Point, Nebraska where I grew up living and working on our
family farm with my brothers, parents, and grandparents. I attended the University of
Nebraska-Lincoln and majored in Biological Sciences and Spanish. I graduated in May 2022 and
was selected to be a United States Fulbright English Teaching Assistant for 1 year in Logroño,
Spain. This June, I returned to the United States and am starting medical school at the
University of Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska. In my free time, I love to rock
climb, sew, hang out with friends and family, and watch Jeopardy! Upon graduation from
medical school, I hope to work as a physician in an underserved Hispanic population.
Reaction statement:
When I looked at my computer and saw the e-mail that I had won
the 2023 R.F. Wittmeyer Community Service Scholarship I could not believe my eyes.
Immediately, I jumped up and down and excitedly told the news to my dad who was sitting at
the table with me. Then, I texted my mother in capital letters “I GOT THE SCHOLARSHIP!!” I am
so honored that I was chosen for this scholarship and that the scholarship committee believes I
have had a positive impact on my community. That is exactly what I hope to do as a future
physician, and it means a lot that other people believe I am on the right track as well. This
scholarship helps relieve the huge financial burden medical school is, and I truly cannot say
thank you enough. I cannot express how grateful I am for this scholarship. I am truly truly
honored, and it is a testament to the importance of serving your community.