Three information science majors awarded scholarships from SILS

The UNC School of Information and Library Science (SILS) has awarded $1,000 scholarships to three information science majors, Jared Beavers, Shelby Poliachik, and Eshika Talukder. SILS annually confers the merit-based scholarships to recently admitted Bachelor of Science in Information Science (BSIS) students who have demonstrated high scholastic achievement and written outstanding application essays.

Beavers, Poliachik, and Talukder are all combining information science with a second major. Despite having different visions for their futures, the three juniors feel that information science is providing key insights into how the world works, which will help prepare them for any path they choose.

Double majoring in information science and psychology and minoring in military science, Beavers wants to become an officer in the U.S. Army through the Tar Heel ROTC Battalion. Beavers believes the information/organizational management, critical thinking, analytical, and presentational skills he has learned through SILS will be useful as he works toward his goal.

Poliachik is pursuing an information science and computer science double major and a minor in cognitive science. She is interested in fields such as UX design, web development, and database design, but said she hasn’t decided on a set career due to the endless opportunities available in the field.

“Technology has become engrained in our society, and has become something important to consider in order to understand people. I love people and figuring out how they tick, and the information science field is one way to do that – through technology,” Poliachik said. “There are so many opportunities for someone in this field, and I am excited to explore what it will mean to me.”

Talukder believes that information science, combined with her public policy major, will enable her to develop strategies that can help alter public policy to benefit those who are not helped by the current system. She also thinks that learning how to effectively use and convey information will help in her plans to attend law school. Talukder said she truly appreciates the scholarship from SILS.

“I have questioned my choice in pursuing these two different majors in the past,” Talukder said. “Receiving this scholarship makes me feel incredibly grateful, and as though I am making the right decision.”

Beavers and Poliachik also felt the scholarships helped validate their decisions and motivated them to keep working hard and dreaming big.

“It is deeply rewarding and encouraging to know that SILS values my choice of studies and my life’s vision,” Beavers said. “This scholarship motivates me to persevere and make my friends, family, and fellow Soldiers proud.”