Brilliant Lady Wins Full Scholarship to U.S. University, Becomes First in Her Family to Attend College

Ruth Beaubrun, the youngest of nine children born to Haitian immigrants, made history as the first in her family to attend and graduate from the University of Chicago with a full-ride scholarship, earning global honors and becoming the university’s first alumna to specialize in Haitian Kreyòl Studies.

A brilliant young woman, Ruth Beaubrun, has made history as the first in her family to attend and graduate from college after earning a full-ride scholarship to the University of Chicago, one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

Ruth graduated with Global Honors in Global Studies and Romance Languages & Literature, focusing on French and Haitian Kreyòl—becoming the first alumna in the university’s history to specialize in Haitian Kreyòl Studies.

Ruth’s Journey to Success

Ruth’s story of excellence began long before college. In 2019, she graduated from Bellaire High School with an impressive 4.50 GPA, ranking among the top students in her class.

Her stellar academic record earned her a full scholarship to the University of Chicago, where she continued to push boundaries and inspire other first-generation students.

“Becoming the first person in my family to graduate from an elite institution with a full-ride scholarship feels surreal,” Ruth shared.
“Even more significant than my academic accomplishments was being celebrated alongside my parents, siblings, and extended family — who all traveled from Texas to watch me walk across the stage.”

Overcoming Challenges

As the youngest of nine children born to Haitian immigrants, Ruth’s journey was built on perseverance, faith, and resilience.

She revealed that adjusting to life at a world-class university came with cultural and linguistic challenges. Yet, she drew strength from her family’s example of determination and adaptability.

“Culturally and linguistically, I persevered in conditions my ancestors had never seen,” she said.
“The skills required to build a new life — adaptability, discernment, and sheer grit — carried me to the finish line.”

A Legacy of Faith and Family

Ruth graduated in 2023 with a 3.8 GPA and high honors. Reflecting on her journey, she expressed deep gratitude to her family and faith for helping her achieve what once seemed impossible.

“Who would have thought two migrants from rural Haiti would birth nine college graduates?” she wrote. “God is amazing.”

She also celebrated her fellow first-generation and low-income peers for their courage in adapting to remote, hybrid, and in-person learning during such transformative times.

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SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, SCHOLARSHIP REGION