Julia McMurtrey,
University of Michigan

Degree: B.S. in Chemical Engineering

How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your undergraduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship and the Stamps community have been a constant supporter during my undergraduate career. They have been the voice telling me to stand every time I fell and the encouragement I needed when I failed. The largest thing the Stamps Scholarship provided me with, though, are lifelong friendships and connections.

Tell us a piece of wisdom you’ve learned over the past four years.
I have learned that even the most earth shattering experiences have silver linings. Out of pain comes personal growth and lessons learned.

Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
My best friend from high school passed away during the first month of my college career. Colin’s life and death impacted me profoundly during my freshman year and in the years that have followed. The loss of my friend taught me to never take anything for granted, live your life to the fullest, and channel negative energy into productivity.

What’s your favorite Stamps Scholar memory?
My favorite Stamps memory is meeting my best friend and fellow Stamps Scholar, Hayley Barker at our first social event freshman year. She is my biggest cheerleader and has provided me with so many wonderful memories throughout college.

What comes next?
I am going to Thailand for three weeks in May then moving to Minneapolis to start my full-time job at General Mills.

Please share your favorite inspirational quote.
“We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all.” – Eleanor Roosevelt