Recent graduate balances work and studies to achieve goals
Nicolas Espana ’22 is an accountant for a Northern Virginia company specializing in land development and design services. As the first in his family to attend college, Nicolas says hard work, tenacity, and support from scholarships and financial aid led to this position that aligns perfectly with his UMW degree.
His career path was not always so clear or defined. Nicolas was born in the United States, but he had to return to Guatemala with his family when he was just 11 years old. A year later, Nicolas came back to the U.S. with the goal of finishing high school and going to college. He lived with his aunt, but he knew the financial aspect of that educational goal would be difficult.
During his years at Meadowbrook High School in Richmond, Nicolas focused on keeping his grades up so he could qualify for scholarships. He worked part time at O’Reilly Automotive and also was president of the National Beta Club, president of his senior class, a delegate at Boys’ State, and Lieutenant Commander in the Junior ROTC program.
“I didn’t have anyone in my family who knew what it was like to go to college,” says Nicolas. “So it was really difficult for me to figure things out. I did have the support of my high school teachers, and they offered guidance about exams and how to apply for college. One of my friends also had attended Mary Washington, so that gave me a bit of insight.”
Nicolas was accepted at Mary Washington in 2018 and received a financial aid package, which included the Joanna and John Reynolds Scholarship. He worked another year in auto parts and then found a paid internship at a law firm in Alexandria. This long-term experience enabled him to learn about job opportunities in the legal and accounting fields, and helped him hone in on a major in applied economics with a minor in business administration.
While scholarships and financial aid helped with college tuition, Nicolas says he had to work throughout to pay for necessities like insurance, food, and gas. “I was careful with my money and my time,” he says. “I always remained focused on my studies and, looking back now, I think I did a good job of balancing it all.”
That balancing act continues today. Nicolas recently passed the LSAT and is saving up to apply for law school. “I’ve noticed that each year my dreams keep getting bigger and more possible with the help and relationships I made at Mary Washington and through my job experiences.”
Long-time Heritage Society member Joanna Reynolds says students like Nicolas are the reason she and her late husband, John, created a UMW scholarship. “We wanted to help students who were self-disciplined and motivated to succeed,” she says. “I am so proud of Nicolas and all he has accomplished.”
For more information about creating scholarships now and through your estate plans, contact Jan Clarke at jclarke@umw.edu or 540-654-2064.
– Article by Donna Harter
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