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Each spring, those of us who chose journalism as a career remember why we did.

College students who haven't even yet begun their professional careers remind us, through the passion, commitment and hard work so apparent in their applications for Salt Lake Tribune scholarships awarded in March and April.

"I've had many mentors in my life who have shown me the power of words, understanding others and being able to communicate with them," Utah Valley University student Joshua Wartena wrote in his application. "I want to teach people that what they think and say matters."

That's what all good journalists want, and we're pleased Wartena, a UVU Review editor, is one of eight students at Utah's public universities awarded a $1,000 Tribune scholarship. The Tribune also funds two scholarships at Salt Lake Community College, which will choose recipients this summer.

In addition to Wartena, who aspires to become a correspondent in the Middle East and eventually a professor, other scholarship recipients include:

Southern Utah University

Tony Gugino • Gugino this year will write for the College of Humanities and Social Sciences' Reflections magazine and will edit HSS Journal. He previously was a staff writer and editor for University Journal at SUU.

Haven Scott • He is pursuing a college degree after freelancing for The Spectrum newspaper. "Previously I have worked in factories to support my children, but the work is not satisfying, and journalism has always been a dream job for me."

University of Utah

Rachel Davies • Davies has written for Lessons magazine and hopes to work in media "creating narratives that inform the public and voice stories of humanity."

Tyler Jones • As Jones completes his degree, he hopes to engage with people by hosting a radio talk show or working as an investigative journalist.

Utah State University

Paul Christiansen • An amateur musician and songwriter, Christiansen believes journalism "gives me one more avenue to tell stories that people can relate to ... I'm a nosy person by nature. Being able to dig deeper into intricate stories, ideas and scoops gives me a chance to use by inquisitive personality for an end goal."

Sarah Menlove • Menlove hopes to pursue magazine writing and photojournalism. "Journalism pushes me outside my comfort zone ... I love that each story I write allows me to become a miniature expert on the topic I'm focused on," she said.

Utah Valley University

Barbara Finlinson • Finlinson aspires to attend law school and build a career around knowledge of both journalism and the law. A lifelong newshound, she said she "still loves a good story. I especially admire writers who have the ability to illicit laughter and tears from their readers."

Weber State University

Tucker Garrett • Garrett has been an editor for The Signpost at WSU and recently began freelance writing.

Raychel Johnson • The Signpost's new editor in chief, Johnson dreams of becoming a crime-beat reporter for the Tribune.

Congratulations to all these students and good luck!

Lisa Carricaburu is a managing editor. Reach her at lisac@sltrib.com or on Twitter: @lcarricaburu