Nicki Minaj Hands Out 37 Scholarships, Moves Fans to Tears with Her Commitment to Changing Lives
Known for her flawless rap flow, eccentric persona and fierce feminism, Nicki Minaj is also a dedicated champion for education.
Those who’ve watched her stint on American idol might remember her many encouragements to would-be singers to stay in school and finish their education before pursuing a musical career. But it’s not just words and encouragement from the Chun-Li singer – it’s also hard cash, delivered directly to students struggling to fund their education.
In fact, the 35-year-old handed out 37 scholarships last week to fans, paying either tuition costs or student loans, Billboard reported. The financial aid was made available through Minaj’s Student of the Game scholarship fund, set up last year after an impromptu education fund giveaway on social media. Inspired by a fan reaching out online to ask for help to stay in school, Minaj took to social media in May last year, telling fans to show her good college records in exchange for help to pay for tuition or study books.
That impromptu giveaway inspired Minaj to set up the Student of the Game scholarship fund as a response to the college students’ growing struggle with debt and growing college costs. Announcing her newest round of scholarship giveaways and the 37 lucky recipients.
Minaj was flooded with messages of appreciation both from recipients and the Twitterverse alike, some calling her an “angel” for her work, other outright crying.
The lucky winners were of course awed and immensely grateful, expressing their love and disbelief at her generosity online. Some saw God’s hand in Minaj’s work, while others saw more proof of the rapper’s loyalty to her fans: “This is just another way Nicki Minaj has shaped my life for the better,” said Twitter user MINAJ-4LYFE. @NickiWatermelon will now be able to take all of their APs thanks to Minaj, @TM_BaisleyBlvd will be able to continue working towards a nursing degree, and @Jerihmi will finish college with the last semester paid by Minaj, their favorite artist.
Military Dad Defends His 4 Little Daughters When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Military Dad of 4 Daughters Defends His Girls When Strangers Make This Rude Remark
Austin von Letkemann is the military officer strangers feel "sorry" for — and the reason is infuriating.
Whenever the devoted father leaves the house with his four children, strangers can't help but notice the officer in uniform is holding hands with 4 adorable little girls. They will tell the traditionally "masculine" and "all American" dad they feel sorry for him, because he has no sons. This dad makes one thing very clear: They are his daughters, they aren't a burden.
In a passionate video, von Letkemann took to Instagram to share with his followers that the only thing that's "difficult" about being a girl dad — is clapping back to these sexist remarks over and over again.
They Mock His Daughters To Their Face
When strangers approach Austin von Letkemann and his four daughters, they don't always realize that their comments are being overheard. They seem oblivious to the fact that his girls understand every word. Von Letkemann describes how people will approach him and, without thinking, make remarks like "I'm sorry" or even joke about his lack of sons. What they don't realize is that these comments, intended to be light-hearted or humorous, can be deeply hurtful to his daughters. These strangers are not just disrespecting von Letkemann's choices as a father; they're also sending a message to his daughters that their presence is something to be pitied. It’s a message that von Letkemann won't stand for, and he's speaking out to defend his girls from these insensitive remarksSaying "Get Your Shotgun" Isn't Funny — It's Sexist
Another common comment that Austin von Letkemann encounters is the old "better get your shotgun ready" trope, often delivered with a smirk or a wink. This line is typically intended to suggest that a father with daughters should be on high alert to protect them from potential "suitors," implying that they are objects to be guarded rather than individuals with agency.
Von Letkemann finds this line of thinking outdated and sexist. In his viral Instagram video, he points out that these jokes are not just stale — they're damaging.
By suggesting that his daughters require armed protection, the joke reinforces the idea that women are inherently vulnerable and need to be shielded from men. Von Letkemann argues that instead of promoting this narrative, society should focus on teaching respect and consent, challenging these sexist tropes at their source.
Watch Austin von Letkemann's Video:
"If I Had A Fifth Child, I'd HOPE It Was A Girl" — One Dad's Message For Other Parents
Despite the constant remarks about his lack of sons, Austin von Letkemann is clear: He wouldn't trade his daughters for anything.
In fact, he told his Instagram followers that if he were to have a fifth child, he would hope for another girl. This declaration isn't just about doubling down on his pride in his family — it's a pointed response to those who see fathering daughters as a misfortune.
Von Letkemann's stance is a powerful one, rejecting the notion that a family is incomplete without sons. He encourages others to question the assumptions behind these comments and to appreciate the joy and fulfillment that his daughters bring. By sharing his story, von Letkemann hopes to create a more inclusive perspective on fatherhood, one that values daughters just as much as sons.