Receiving a full ride scholarship to Western Michigan University (WMU), senior Michael Arellano is one of 20 students chosen from the Medallion Scholarship Competition to attend WMU in the fall as a Medallion Scholar.

After traveling up to WMU earlier this year and participating in several tasks, Arellano was shocked when he found out he was being called back to the school to be interviewed by a panel of professors and deans. Arellano was one of the 40 people the school called back out of the 800 that participated.

“I was confident in my essay and really enjoyed the group problem solving,” Arellano said. “But out of all the other people in the room I would’ve never thought I would be selected.”

The scholarship, worth $50,000, was awarded to 20 people who succeed in essay writing, group problem solving and an interview. Arellano being one of the 20.

“I felt so honored to be chosen for this because it’s allowing me to attend my dream school,” Arellano said.

Arellano will be attending WMU in the fall. He plans to become an industrial psychologist or possibly a dance movement therapist after he receives his Bachelor of Arts degree in dance and a degree in behavioral science psychology.