Valor Scholar Stories: Jonathan Blankenship
In this series, we’re spotlighting stories of student recipients of scholarships from Valor Partners—how the scholarship is impacting them, their academic pursuits, and their potential to make a difference in the world.
The impact of a Valor Partners scholarship can stretch beyond the recipient. Just ask Jonathan Blankenship.
“I’ve used this scholarship to help me help others,” Jonathan says. “It’s an honor to have this scholarship to use towards my education, and it helps me continue to give back to my community as much as I can.”
Jonathan is a Valor Scholar at the University of North Dakota, double majoring in Commercial Aviation and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, with minors in Leadership and Entrepreneurship. He was also voted by his classmates this year to serve as UND’s Student Body President.
His parents are both retired Air Force Veterans, both serving their country for over 20 years. Their influence has led Jonathan down the path he’s on today, and he’s proud to be part of their military legacy. “They’ve always instilled in me the core values of the Air Force,” Jonathan says. “Integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do. They’ve guided me along my journey with those core values in mind, and their positive influence has shaped me into the person I am today.”
Learning and Serving
Jonathan’s mother, who served as a sensor operator in the Air Force, helped him chart his path to UND. When Jonathan visited and learned about their excellent Unmanned Aircraft Systems program, he was hooked immediately. He was accepted into their selective Aerospace program, and he’s loved his time there ever since. “The program here is phenomenal,” he says. “It’s the place for aviation, and I’m honored to be in the program.”
In addition to his studies, Jonathan’s role as Student Body President has given him lots of opportunities to practice public service—something else he’s passionate about. “Being a military-affiliated student, I feel that it’s important for me to represent that group,” he says. “I’ve had the chance to learn about different struggles military-affiliated students face, and I want their voices to be heard in student government.”
While he was campaigning, Jonathan had the opportunity to speak to students in the ROTC program at UND. He got up at 4:00 a.m., joined them for a workout, and had the opportunity to connect with students in the program, listening to their perspectives and learning about how he could best represent them as Student Body President. “That’s the ‘why’ behind this role, for me—supporting students like that,” Jonathan says. “I feel fortunate to represent them.”
Looking Ahead
Jonathan doesn’t have a set plan yet for after he graduates, and his dual major offers him multiple career path options. But one thing is clear to him: he wants to give back. “I’m very passionate about helping others and advocating for people,” he says. “It’s what I’ve done while I’ve been in school, and I want to continue doing that. I think it stems from what my parents did—how they helped other people and served their country. And I feel the need to do the same.”
While he doesn’t know the path he will take yet, Jonathan’s experience at UND has set him up well for whatever his future holds. His studies have given him valuable skills that will be in demand—especially within Unmanned Aircraft Systems—and his experience in student government is preparing him for whatever form of public service he chooses to pursue. He was also selected this past summer as North Dakota’s representative for the Henry Clay College Student Congress.
Jonathan’s college experience has set him up for more than just personal success—it’s preparing him to make a difference in the lives of others. And donors to Valor Partners are a big part of that.
“I hope donors know how much I appreciate their support,” Jonathan says. “The impact it has on students like me is beyond what they could know. It helps me give back, and its impact extends past me.”
At Valor Partners, we do what we do to support Jonathan and other students like him who are ready to make an impact in the world. And you can be a part of it. Learn more about what we do, other students we support, and make a donation today.