Meet Mallory Martin: Woodyard Realty Corporation Scholarship Winner and Aspiring Engineer

Mallory Martin is the winner of the $5,000 Bachelor Degree Woodyard Realty Scholarship for her studies in engineering, and she has an amazing story to share about how she got here.

Growing Up on the Move

“I grew up all over!” Mallory shared. “My family moved frequently, but I spent the last eight years of my childhood in Upstate New York. I went to high school at Peru Central School in the Adirondack Mountains, about 30 minutes from the Canadian border. I’d definitely prefer to be in the mountains,” she said, revealing a dream of someday owning a lake house and starting a homestead.

A New Chapter in Memphis

Mallory’s journey took a significant turn when she moved to Memphis two years ago. “Moving around growing up was very difficult, especially my last move to Memphis. Uprooting my life and going south alone was jarring,” she admitted. “I’m a very people-oriented person, so loneliness and anxiety quickly set in. I forced myself to go to every campus event I could find. Through time and prayer, I’ve found an amazing community and grown to love the city of Memphis!”

Passion for Engineering and Community Impact

Mallory’s decision to pursue civil engineering was driven by her desire to make a tangible difference in her community. “Civil engineering focuses mostly on developing infrastructure, which I knew would tangibly benefit my community,” she explained. “Engineering as a whole excites me because it’s all about solving problems for others.” At her current internship, she’s already making an impact. “I participate in remodeling grocery stores to improve customer experience and make them more energy efficient. It’s gratifying to know that what I’m doing is impacting the daily life of the average person.”

The Significance of the Woodyard Realty Scholarship

Winning the Woodyard Realty Scholarship has been a game-changer for Mallory. “I am so grateful and honored to have been selected for the scholarship! To me, this award means peace of mind while pursuing my degree, especially given the financial burden of out-of-state education,” she said. “Not only is this scholarship a financial relief, but also a motivator to finish my academic career well. I can’t thank the team at Woodyard Realty enough for the impact they’re making on my education.”

Embracing Memphis

“My favorite thing about Memphis is the sense of pride radiating from the community. From the sports teams, to the food, to the rich culture and history, Memphians love being Memphians, and I love being part of it! I love how diverse the cityscape of Memphis is: one moment I can be downtown, riding a trolley to Beale Street, and 30 minutes later, I can be paddle boarding at Shelby Farms! It’s almost impossible to be bored in Memphis!”

Advice for Future Engineers

For those considering a career in engineering, Mallory has some valuable advice. “Community is everything! The people on my dorm floor (all engineering majors) got me through the really tough times in the first two years of school,” she emphasized. Mallory also shared a key insight she’s gained: “Some of the best advice I’ve received from engineers thus far is that your ability to interact with people is cardinal. You can be the smartest person in the room, but if you don’t know how to communicate what you know, it’s useless! The ability to connect with peers and professionals will get you far!”

We’re so excited to see what impact Mallory will make through engineering! We know the future of Memphis is in good hands through her leadership. Congratulations, Mallory!

About the Woodyard Realty Scholarship

Woodyard Realty is investing in the futures of Memphians by providing scholarships through Give901 that will provide financial support to a student pursuing a college education, a student pursuing a technical program, and a professional looking to advance in their career.

INTERESTED IN CREATING A SCHOLARSHIP?

Give901 has a scholarship management program that allows you to offer a scholarship completely hassle-free. Email contact@give901.org for more information.