Written by Tiffany Jones
Before the Bison published an article about her struggle to stay at Harding, Graziella Roosz had received only bad news regarding next year’s finances.
With the help of her friends, Roosz had sent out letters to churches and potential benefactors only to receive a few very polite and well-meaning “no’s.” She had prepared herself for the possibility of leaving Harding and heading back to France.
Little did she know good news was just around the corner.
While in Searcy to see Spring Sing, the anonymous family that provided her support for this semester met with Roosz and told her they were ready and able to commit to supporting her throughout her remaining semesters at Harding.
Roosz found this family with the help of Harding’s advancement office.
“Last semester I sent tons of letters to churches,” Roosz said. “I was knocking on every door. I was asking my teachers. I asked financial aid, and the advancement office took care of me and helped me find this couple through my support letters.”
Soon after that meeting, Roosz received a phone call from the advancement office. Someone, touched from reading the article, decided to pay for her housing and meal plan.
“I was speechless,” Roosz said. “I wasn’t expecting anybody reading the Bison to help me. I was so happy. This is really God’s will.”
The good news did not stop rolling in. She received scholarships from the international business office and an anonymous church in the Searcy area offered to support her as well.
“I’m so glad she was given the money to stay,” junior Sarah Kyle said. “She’s a wonderful person.”
Even with all of the financial help, Roosz is not going to relax. She is currently looking for a summer job in France.