North Central College freshman wins scholarship in essay contest

North Central College’s Debra Jensen ’17 won a $2,000 Buildium Build U. Scholarship for her essay, titled “The Most Qualified,” which argues the importance of shared beliefs within a company.

Jensen, a double major in interactive media studies and computer science, received the scholarship from Buildium LLC, a property management software company based in Boston. Her essay, which was compared with dozens of other entrants, focused on the values she learned in her College’s Group Processes course, including cohesion, social relationships and shared mission statements.

“We discussed what makes someone a truly great team member, which prompted me to consider the kinds of judgments we should make when we say someone is truly qualified for a certain position,” she says.

Jensen’s essay impressed the contest’s judges because of its relevant themes and unique focus.

“We received some strong essays, but Debra’s was unique because it clearly showed how a company’s core values can be a helpful guide in the hiring process,” said Matt Donnelly, content strategist at Buildium. “For her creative approach to the question, we’re pleased to award her the second Build U. scholarship.”

“Winning the Build U. scholarship means a great deal to me,” Jensen says. “In the future, I would like to work in either software or multimedia design, and Buildium is the kind of company where I could see myself working. Just being recognized by their committee is extremely encouraging and means a lot to me in terms of my professional and educational goals.”

A resident of Bourbonnais, Jensen is regularly included in the College’s Dean’s List of scholars.