At Groth & Associates, we know life can change quickly when someone faces hardship. The firm recently named Connor Khoury as the winner of our 2025 Survivors Speak: Moving Forward Through Hardship Scholarship. The firm awards $1,000 to a student whose resilience and determination stand out.
Connor, an Economics and Government student at Harvard University, will graduate in May 2028. His experiences outside the classroom stood out to the scholarship selection committee, and his dedication to public service and helping others manage their health challenges helped set him apart.
A Scholarship Inspired by Stories of Strength
Groth & Associates started the scholarship to give students an opportunity to share the experiences that shaped who they are today. In short videos, applicants talk about the challenges they faced and what they learned from them.
Connor said the video format allowed him to be open about both loss and growth, and inspired his “desire to be honest about what it actually means to keep going.”
“I believe it’s important for survivors to share their stories, so I was particularly excited when I saw this scholarship opportunity. The video format provided an effective format for me to show the loss and growth I’ve experienced all at once, [and] that’s often difficult to accomplish through writing.”
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Finding Purpose in Adversity
As a childhood cancer survivor who also experienced the loss of his mother to Stage 4 ovarian cancer, Connor says those experiences helped shape his future plans.
“I believe hardship serves as an important motivator—if I was able to get through childhood cancer and the passing of my mother, why shouldn’t I work as hard as I can to improve the lives of others?”
Connor’s greatest inspiration is his mother. She supported him through his health struggles before bravely facing her illness. He draws strength from who she was and what she taught him.
“Everything I do is rooted in honoring her, and in working toward a world where no one has to face health challenges without support,” he said.
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Policy Focus and Service
Outside of class, Connor spends much of his time helping others and learning about public policy. During a recent internship with the EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, he studied newborn screening programs and how they help families.
He also interned with Congressman Sanford Bishop in the U.S. House of Representatives. There, he helped draft remarks and amendments, conducted legislative research, and spoke with constituents who reached out to the office.
What’s Ahead for Connor Khoury at Harvard
This semester, Connor is gaining hands-on experience in Senator Ed Markey’s office in Boston. He helps with cases from people who need support with Medicaid, Medicare, and veterans’ benefits.
He also volunteers with Harvard Pediatric Cancer Buddies, planning art projects and activities for children going through cancer treatment at the Ronald McDonald House and Christopher’s Haven. In addition, he writes for the Harvard Political Review about healthcare, elections, and how public systems work.
Connor hopes to attend law school after he graduates. He wants a career in health law so he can help people get care and protect patients. His long-term goal is to use the law to make systems better for people living with rare diseases and serious health conditions.
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Celebrating Connor Khoury’s Next Chapter
At Groth & Associates, we believe the lessons people learn through hardship can lead to real change, and Connor shows that through his work and service.
We are proud to recognize Connor as this year’s scholarship recipient and look forward to seeing what he does next. We wish him continued success as he works toward his plans and goals for his future.
About the Scholarship
The “Survivors Speak: Moving Forward Through Hardship” scholarship gives students a chance to share the real-life experiences that formed their path forward. At Groth & Associates, we meet people whose lives change because of unexpected challenges, and this scholarship reflects that same focus on resilience and growth.
As part of the application, students submit a short 30- to 60-second video describing a hardship they have faced and how it influenced their outlook. Applicants are asked to reflect on questions such as:
- What hardship have you faced?
- How did that experience stand out in your life?
- What steps did you take to move forward?
- Who, if anyone, helped you along the way?
- Did the experience change your plans for the future?
- How might those lessons shape your academic goals?
Students include a link to their unlisted video along with the rest of their application materials when applying for the scholarship. Visit the scholarship page to learn more, including the application deadline and when to apply.
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