(KFSM) - College students return to campus in August and thousands of them will receive financial help from the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, including Christopher Ha.
Ha graduated from the University of Arkansas in Fort Smith in May with a degree in Music Education. It’s a major that demands talent, time and money.
Ha said he has to buy more than just textbooks for his major; he also has had to purchase musical instruments.
However, he told 5NEWS that the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery has been helpful in lifting his financial burden.
"I don't have to worry and expend my energies on trying to worry about making sure I do have funds to advance my education," said Ha.
This has given him more time to practice and attend music conferences, which has molded him into a more versatile musician. He said it also prepared him for his career after college.
Ha said he wants to be a music education teacher for the Fort Smith School District since he was born and raised in that area.
“They’ve given me so many opportunities that I want to give that back and pass that forward,” he said.
Learn more about the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery and how to apply by clicking here.