By By KATHIE HEMPEL / Niles Daily Star
BUCHANAN – To most people say the word "Microsoft" and they think computers.
Say "Microsoft" to senior Justin Brown of Buchanan and he thinks of his dream of starting a boarding school for those passionate about the martial arts and international business.
The next seven years of his post secondary education, as far as tuition, room and board are concerned, will be covered by the Gates Millennium Scholarship, for which Brown, 17, recently received confirmation.
"I am just so proud of him. This is such a blessing," Leslie Brown, his mother, said.
She retired from Microsoft in 2001 and the family traveled for years because of her profession. Buchanan is the longest her son has had in one school since his academic journey began, she added.
"I'm thinking about international business. I would like to work in business or start one of my own. My big goal is to continue with my involvement in the martial arts and nature. I would hate to ever have to give those up," Justin said.
He has chosen Arizona State University. The family lived there for a time when he was in early elementary school.
While the Microsoft scholarship takes care of tuition and most of the living expenses, Brown still expects to be working as he attends school. He expects the main expense he will be responsible for is his textbooks, but said he is looking forward to assuming full responsibility for his life.
The eligibility requirements for the Gates Millennium Scholarship are understandably high. Those applying must be African American, American Indian/Alaska Native, Asian Pacific Islander American or Hispanic American; a citizen/legal permanent resident or national of the United States; have attained a cumulative GPA of 3.3 on a 4.0 scale (unweighted); be enrolling for the first-time at a U.S. accredited college or university as a full-time, degree-seeking, first-year student and have demonstrated leadership abilities through participation in community service, extracurricular or other activities.
Independent readers then assess nominees like Brown, based upon the three major areas – academic achievement, community service, and leadership
Brown has proven himself both academically and in athletics. He is about to receive his first degree black belt.
He has excelled in not only his regular high school curriculum but has tackled more challenging subjects. For the past three years, he has been one of Henry Seo's top Korean language program students.
"The first year I remember Justin struggled a bit. Then in the second and now – he soars. I am very proud of him. Every teacher would like to have more students like Justin," Seo said.
Last summer Brown joined three other Buchanan students on a three-week exchange trip to Korea, after winning his place with an essay. During that time he lived with a Korean family was able to indulge in some of the more ancient forms of his beloved taekwondo.
Brown plans to continue to expand his language abilities while in university.
"I am going to start at square one with Japanese and Chinese. Another class I hope to take during my first year is global business. As far as sports go, I am hoping they offer soccer and that I can eventually start a taekwondo club," Brown said.
Faith has played a large role in Brown's attitude and upbringing. Both he and his mother speak of the scholarship in terms of blessings.
"For a long time we tried to commute to my brother Dave Lance's New Zion Christian Church in Dolton, Ill., but then when that became too difficult, particularly in winter, Justin decided he would like to put his faith to practical service by volunteering in the Lakeland Hospital emergency room on the weekend," his mother said.
She is understandably proud of both her children. Daughter, Kristen just graduated from Xavier University in New Orleans, La., in only three years.
Admiration is mutual between mother and son. Brown describes his mother as a "big teacher in my life." He says much of his personal philosophy came from watching her.
"The best leaders I know lead by example. The best role models have a desire to be great and not force it on people. They do what they love and inspire others. Mom does that. They hold onto the Christian value to be unassuming and rather use and develop the blessings God has given them. It's sort of like a candle. Once you light it – it just shines," Brown said.