2010 Annual Report: Fyre Gardner

Fyre Gardner 2008 Scholar: Demonstrating Confidence and Determination

Growing up in Cache Valley, Utah, a community that values hard work, discipline and helping others, not only prepared Fyre Gardner for the challenges she faces in college, but gave her the confidence she will need to achieve her dreams in life. 

Gardner, a 2008 Daniels Scholar, is attending the Utah State University where she is majoring in physical therapy, with the ultimate goal of becoming a physician’s assistant. The Daniels Scholarship fulfilled her dream of becoming the first in her family to attend college.

“When I was a child I knew a number of older people who struggled with pain and mobility issues,” she recalled. “My dream is to be able to become a physician’s assistant in order to be able to help older adults live happier, healthier lives,” she added.

Gardner is not waiting until she graduates to help others. She offered to be a Daniels Fund liaison to students at Utah State, helping them to solve problems, access resources, and develop a strong community of Daniels Scholars on campus.

“As a Daniels Fund Campus Liaison, I was responsible for schedule meetings and activities,” she explained. “The goal is to help develop another support network, especially for the new Scholars on campus,” she added.

Gardner said that the first year in college often presents challenges to freshmen, even if they were outstanding students in high school.

“Each college professor has a unique style of teaching and it is important to quickly develop an understanding of what they are looking for from students,” she explained. “The first year of college can be a difficult and confusing time, so it is especially important for students to have a network of support,” she added.

Gardner said that the Scholar Relations Officer for Utah, Dustin Leffingwell, provides a lot of help to Daniels Scholars, helping them access campus resources, as well as other resources offered by the Daniels Fund.

Gardner said that she strives to model the values that are expected of a Daniels Scholar: character, leadership, and service.

Serving as president of the campus Physician Assistant’s Club offers another way for Gardner to give back while she is in college. “One of my goals has been to set up study groups for students so that those who are excelling can help those who need some extra support,” she explained.

“The Daniels Fund has given me the change to attend college without have to worry too much about acquiring too much debt,” she explained. “Being a Daniels Scholar gives me the confidence to know that I can make a difference, and that life is filled with bigger and better opportunities to make a difference,” she added.