USF CU Helps Local Students Go From ‘Dreaming’ to ‘Doing’

At USF Credit Union, we believe every dream deserves a chance to grow. That's why we're committed to supporting students as they take their next big step - from the classroom to college and beyond.

For recent Tampa high school graduate Rheeann L., that next step became a little easier when she was named a recipient of the Carolyn Parslow Memorial & Patty Sarne Scholarship.

Supported through the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions and presented by USF CU, the $1,000 scholarship recognizes promising students and helps offset the rising costs of higher education.

A Future in Law, Years in the Making

Rheeann has known what she wanted to do for most of her life.

“I’ve wanted to be a lawyer since I was about 9 years old,” she said. “The law fascinates me.”

The scholarship will now help her cover books, supplies, and other college expenses as she begins working toward that goal.

A Full-Circle Moment for USF Credit Union

For USF CU  team member Sala, presenting the scholarship was more than a professional responsibility - it was personal.

Sala helps represent USF CU within the Tampa Chapter of Credit Unions, which partners across the region to support community initiatives like scholarship programs for local students. In Rheeann, she saw something familiar.

“I saw a lot of myself in her,” Sala said. “We have the same major, she’s going to the same university I attended, so it really felt like a full circle handing her that check.”

Investing in the Next Generation

That sense of connection reflects the deeper purpose behind the program. USF CU’s involvement in scholarships like this is rooted in its commitment to community and its core values of passion and service - investing in people who will shape the future.

“Two of our core values are passion and community,” Sala said. “We’re always out serving, trying to improve our community and help build up the next generation of leaders.”

For Sala, the moment also carried a personal layer of reflection as both a mentor and a parent, imagining the paths ahead for young students like Rheeann—and for her own daughter one day.

“It just felt really good to give her something to help get started,” she said. “Who knows where she’ll be in the future, but I’m glad we can be part of her story.”

A Connection That Started Early

Rheeann’s connection to USF Credit Union runs deeper than this moment, too.

“I’ve had a savings account at the credit union since I was a toddler,” she said. “My parents really prepared for my future, and I’m very grateful for that.”

Now, as she prepares for college and her future in law, Rheeann carries more than just scholarship support - she carries a sense of momentum, belief, and community behind her.

And for USF CU, that’s exactly what moments like this are about: helping turn early dreams into real opportunities, and real opportunities into lasting futures.