Knowing there are people out there who are willing to help others that they don’t even know personally, to help students achieve their dreams… it’s really inspiring and I thank them.
From a young age, Emma Gendreau, ’26, learned the importance of advocacy and helping others. She didn’t have to look far; her parents were a constant influence as they navigated the system to secure support for her twin sister, Nicole, who has a cognitive disability.
“They were always fighting for my sister’s rights to a proper education, the right to gain knowledge despite her obstacles, and that gave me perspective,” said the Bridgewater State University senior.
Her sister's disability required additional support outside of the New Bedford School District, where the two girls grew up.
“We had to seek out-of-district support, which is expensive. But there was no other route for her to take,” Emma said.
Her parents, though, knew how to advocate for Nicole, and that inspired Emma “to want to help other families like ours, and people like my sister,” she said.
Last year, Emma did her own advocacy work when she was crowned Miss New Bedford. During her year-long tenure, she dedicated herself to advancing special needs advocacy and family/caregiver support.
Fighting for Nicole didn't come without financial strain for the family, so when it came time for Emma to apply to college, money was top of mind.
“My parents both work full-time jobs, pick up overtime whenever they can, and have given up numerous opportunities, to help me and my sister,” Emma said.
Even with financial aid, the need for financial support was still there, so when Emma received an email from BSU alerting her to scholarship possibilities, she did some research.
“BSU does a really good job putting the word out that there are scholarships available,” she said. “It’s also a very simple process to apply. Things are explained well.”
Emma was thrilled when she received the Bruce Bartlett, ’68, Endowed Scholarship. The support means everything as she pursues her dream of becoming a special education lawyer focused on advocacy work to secure opportunities for families of individuals with special needs.
Emma is double majoring in political science and special education, with a focus on severe disabilities, and will enroll in law school after graduation.
“There were many instances where I worried about the financial burden law school would put on both myself and my parents, but this scholarship has allowed me to continue to look forward to that goal and pursue my dreams,” Emma said.
Gratitude is the best way to describe her feelings about being a BSU scholarship recipient.
“This scholarship will help ease pressure, which means more than I can express,” she said.
Ultimately, by receiving help, Emma is able to fulfill her goal of advocating for others.
“Knowing there are people out there who are willing to help others that they don’t even know personally, to help students achieve their dreams… it’s really inspiring and I thank them.”
As BSU kicks off Giving Day, Emma’s story is a powerful reminder of how generosity can make a difference in students’ lives.
A gift to the Bridgewater Fund, or any of the university’s many funds, directly supports students, helping them overcome challenges and achieve their goals.
Join us in making a difference by participating in Giving Day from Wednesday, April 1 at 2 p.m. through Thursday, April 2 at 8:40 p.m. To learn more and make your gift, visit bridgew.edu/givingday
Do you have a BSU story you'd like to share? Email stories@bridgew.edu