(All-Star College Scholarship Recipient Jonathan Dronet is moving on from high school graduation in Iowa to college in Connecticut.)
For the past few weeks, Jonathan Dronet has been in the midst of a cycle of packing and unpacking and packing again. It’s nothing he isn’t used to, but at least this week when he was packing, it was to mark the start of his college journey – to the school of his choice and a chance to live in a dorm.
Jonathan is beginning his freshman year at Central Connecticut State, and UMPS CARE Charities is proud to help make the transition go as smooth as possible.
Throughout much of Jonathan’s life, packing and moving to a new place has been the norm. Born in Iowa, Jonathan was first placed in foster care at 5. He and his younger sister spent time in several homes before being adopted by a family with five children. The move didn’t fit, to say the least. Four years later, amidst struggles fitting in, his adoptive parents sent Jonathan to a respite home – a home intended to provide a temporary break for both parties.
This respite became permanent, and a lifeline. The woman who took him in, Leanne, ended up becoming his new adoptive mom. Jonathan was 15 when he was adopted for the second time in his life.
“Since then, Leanne has been my greatest support,” he told us. “She’s worked tirelessly to give me a better life and has introduced me to experiences I missed out on – like swimming, running and even trying sushi (which I learned I don’t like). She never gives up on me, no matter what mistakes I make. She pushes me to grow and always reminds me of my worth. When I need advice or comfort, she’s the first person I turn to.
“Leanne’s unwavering love and belief in me have changed my life in ways I never thought possible. Her presence gave me the safety and support I had ever known. She is, without a doubt, the person who has had the greatest influence on me.”
Leanne is also the woman who led him to UMPS CARE Charities, as she was the one who found out about our All-Star College Scholarship Program – an initiative that provides $10,000 per year to support college education expenses for kids adopted later in life.
Jonathan followed her lead and applied. He was selected as one of our two scholarship recipients, and his selection allowed him to go to Central Connecticut State University and live in a dorm – something he would not have been able to afford otherwise.
Although he will be sad to leave his younger brothers (ages 5 and 12) – and they will miss their favorite LEGO partner – he is looking forward to the new experiences and friends that college life will bring. And he won’t be far from family, either. He’s less than 20 miles from his family’s home, and can easily get back to them on weekends.
Born in Grinnell, Iowa, Jonathan spent his whole life in the Hawkeye state until this summer when he, Leanne and his younger brothers relocated to Connecticut. Leanne, a middle school math teacher, was not sure of her job status in Iowa as there was talk of her school closing, and they figured this was a good opportunity to move near where Jonathan would be in college.
As Jonathan packs and unpacks once again, he is excited about what is yet to come. His initial plan is to major in business. He’s interested in joining some clubs, and possibly finding a part-time job. He’s shopping for the usual college dorm items – sheets, power cords and the like.
But, as he put it, “This is a lot easier than previous packing, as much of it is still packed from previous packing!”
All of us at UMPS CARE, along with our All-Star College Scholarship Program sponsors – Deloitte, Umpire Focus and the Marcum Foundation – and our donors, wish Jonathan good luck as he enters his college journey!
Learn more about our All-Star College Program HERE
Jonathan with his two brothers who helped him move into his college dorm. He is glad that he won’t be far from family.