Pehlke, a double major in English and Business with minors in Pop Culture Studies and Professional Writing, has distinguished herself as a committed and talented student. She has also been deeply involved on campus, serving as a TRIO Advisor and peer tutor.
When asked about her reaction to receiving the scholarship, Pehlke said, “I couldn’t believe it at first. Among hundreds of applicants, my submission was chosen. Receiving the email confirming the award filled me with pride, and I immediately called my parents to share the news.”
She reflected on the significance of the recognition, both personally and academically: “It validates the hard work I’ve put into my extracurricular activities and my career goals. Academically, it motivates me to push myself further and embrace opportunities that enhance my learning and growth.”
Pehlke credits Montana Western’s block schedule with shaping her as a student and writer. “Being able to immerse myself in one subject at a time has allowed me to dive deep into the material,” she explained. “This focused approach has improved my time management and enabled me to express my thoughts more clearly in my writing.”
She is particularly proud of a poem she wrote for an Intermediate Creative Writing class, which she later adapted into a multimedia project. “It was a rewarding experience that allowed me to further express my creativity and connect my passion for poetry with visual storytelling.”
According to her faculty advisor, Dr. Laura Wright, Pehlke has shown remarkable growth and initiative throughout her time at UMW. “I was pleased to recommend Victoria for the scholarship,” Dr. Wright said. “She balances many academic commitments and has become increasingly confident as a student and writer. She advocates for herself and has carefully mapped her academic path, accomplishing so much in four years.”
Looking ahead, Pehlke plans to pursue a career in publishing, with aspirations of becoming an editor or literary agent. She sees the scholarship as vital support in achieving these goals. “It has alleviated some financial burdens, allowing me to dedicate more time to my classes and extracurricular activities,” she said. “This support enables me to engage in internships and workshops that are preparing me for my future career.”
Dr. Wright emphasized the broader significance of Pehlke’s achievement: “I’m so proud of Victoria for seeking out this scholarship. Her accomplishment shows the importance of using resources like Sigma Tau Delta, and I hope other students follow her model.”
