Zachary Taylor didn't wait for classes to begin before diving into
his University of Oregon experience. The summer before his freshman
year, Zach could be found at the UO DuckCall Center,
talking with donors and raising funds for academics. He reflects, "I
hadn't taken a class yet and I was talking to alumni and donors-but I
think they liked that."
This Cottage Grove, Oregon native came to the UO as a Pathway Oregon
student, a program that ensures academically-qualified, lower-income
Oregonians will have their tuition and fees paid with a combination of
federal, state, and private funds. Now, closing in on the end of his
junior year, Zachary is pursuing a degree in Planning, Public Policy and
Management, with a minor in Economics and a certificate in writing,
speaking and critical reasoning. He's quick to point out that although
Pathway Oregon allowed him to come to the UO, the program is much more
than just financial resources.
"It's also the
advising," he says, "They help direct finding your major and encourage
you to take advantage of the opportunities at UO, so that you can have
the full college experience. I think sometimes students don't always
take advantage of the opportunities here. They think maybe it's not for
them, or it's too competitive. But they shouldn't, they should go for
it. Pathway Oregon has helped me do that."
For example,
Pathway advisors encouraged Zach to apply for the McNair Scholars
Program. He was recently awarded the scholarship and will participate
in the program this summer, learning to prepare for doctoral studies
through involvement in research and other scholarly activities. He'll
do a research project and present his work. "It might even get
published," he says with a smile. Either way, he'll have a step-up when
he attends graduate school in a little over a year. He's currently
considering the east coast, where he has family.
With a
very full class schedule, Zachary took a break from working early in his
time at the UO to concentrate on his studies. When he decided to
return to work, he knew he wanted to come back to the DuckCall Center.
"Of
course it's a job that pays more than minimum wage," he says, "But it's
more than that. Talking with donors on behalf of the UO is an art form
and I'm gaining valuable skills I can use in my future"
When
asked about the importance of supporting the UO, he doesn't hesitate.
"It's the best investment you can make," he explains. "You're investing
in an entire generation. When I'm talking with people on the phone,
that's what I tell them when they express hesitation to give. You give
to the economics department [for example], you're supporting the people
that will go out in the future and make a difference in our economy."
As
this quiet young man looks to ahead to graduate school and career
opportunities, he knows his time as a Pathway student at UO and student
caller have been pivotal. "It's about positive reinforcement and
helping find your strength," he says, adding, "stepping out of your
shell and experiencing new things."
And isn't that what college is supposed to be all about?