Flushing teen joins winners circle

Next fall, Amanda Siu will become the first member of her family to go to college. When she attends her first class, she can thank Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA). With support from local Mercedes-Benz dealers, MBUSA recently helped turn Siu’s dream into a reality when they awarded the Flushing High School senior with a $10,000 Drive Your Future scholarship she plans to use to attend Baruch University next September.
“If not for the scholarship, I would not have felt definite in attending Baruch,” she said. “I plan to use the scholarship money for summer courses. I would like to graduate in three years, if possible.”
“I feel proud to be the first person in my family to attend college,” continued Siu, who has a 97 average. “My parents came to America for the purpose of creating a better life for my brother and me. In America, the pursuit of a higher education has meaning.”
Siu was one of 150 nationwide recipients selected from an applicant pool of more than 8,000 college-bound students. Through support from MBUSA and the fundraising activities of Mercedes-Benz dealers nationwide, a total of $1.5 million in Drive Your Future scholarships will be awarded this year to students across the United States.
“Drive Your Future celebrates the successes of these students who will one day become leaders in business, engineering, technology and the arts,” said Paul Halata, president and CEO of Mercedes-Benz USA. “Their dedication to excellence, hard work and an anything-is-possible mindset is truly impressive.”
“I was surprised when I was informed of the scholarship,” said Siu, who plans on studying international business, marketing and learning another language. “I was checking the mail one day and I saw the letter. I figured that it was a rejection letter. I didn’t expect to win. … This scholarship boosts my confidence and it’s comforting to know that working hard does pay off.”
Siu, born in Fuzhou, China, came to America in 1992 with her family and now resides in Flushing. She demonstrated financial need as well as exceptional achievement in the areas of academic performance, leadership and school and community activities. Siu will be requested to serve as an “ambassador of Mercedes-Benz USA philanthropy” by giving back to the community through activities such as mentoring/tutoring younger students.