Zomaria Smith, a 2019 Lexington High School graduate and second year pharmacy student received a newly created scholarship for first generation students.

Smith was raised in a single-parent household. She attended Lander University where she played NCAA Division II lacrosse and attained a bachelor’s degree in chemistry.

Smith received $26,826 from the scholarship program, making this the first time the South Carolina Legislature has awarded funds to support first generation students.

“The collaboration with MUSC aims to reduce student debt and address community needs, underscoring our dedication to enhancing educational opportunities and supporting South Carolinians,” Rep. Bruce Bannister said in the press release.

From balancing school, being a lacrosse coach, being a student ambassador at the College of Pharmacy and being a member of Student Mentors for Diversity in Pharmacy, Smith doesn’t have any outside resources to use for school.

This scholarship established an endowment which contains $3.5 million in state funds and a $3.5 million match from The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) leadership. Additionally, this scholarship awards one year of tuition to assist students who come from rural and underserved regions.

According to the press release, roughly 79% of MUSC College of Pharmacy students graduate with debt. Smith is no different and says she will have nearly $125,000 of debt once she finishes the program.

“I am thrilled to recognize and celebrate the recipients of this inaugural scholarship,” Lisa K. Saladin, PT, Ph.D., executive vice president for Academic Affairs and provost said in the press release. “What makes this scholarship special is that these students are from South Carolina with truly inspiring stories of overcoming adversity to become the first in their family to pursue higher education. We are proud of all they have accomplished and look forward to seeing where the future takes these talented students.”

In total, eight MUSC students were chosen for this scholarship.

To receive this scholarship students must be:

• First in their family to attend college.
• A South Carolina resident.
• Attended a high school in South Carolina.
• Demonstrate a financial need.
• Be in good academic standing.

“I’m very grateful for the scholarship. It hasn’t really set in how proud I should be of myself and how proud everyone else is of me,” Smith said in the press release.