UO student finds belonging, will graduate debt free

Catalina Kurihara, class of 2027, was nervous when she was first accepted at the University of Oregon. 

As the first woman to go to college on her mother’s side and a self-proclaimed introvert, she was concerned that she wouldn’t find others with similar interests and backgrounds. 

“Coming to the university was the best decision of my life,” Kurihara now says. “I’ve met so many cool people.”  

Whether discussing classes over coffee, going hiking, or chatting about books, chess, and jazz music, she’s developed a true sense of belonging among her peers at the UO.  

Originally from the small town of Cascade Locks in Oregon, Kurihara says that Eugene is the perfect blend of city and countryside. Better yet, the university boasts amazing resources for their students—such as University Health Services (UHS). Her interactions with the team at UHS have been nothing but positive. 

“They were so kind to me. It felt like a little community,” she says.  

Kurihara will graduate debt-free as part of the PathwayOregon program and recently decided to double major in public relations, adding to her political science major and entrepreneurship minor. She says the shift was inspired by her advocacy in high school. 

“I got the first gender-neutral bathroom implemented in my high school and I had to email about jurisdiction and talk to someone higher up and I really enjoy that,” she says. “I like the organization, thought process, and creativity behind public relations.” 

Kurihara embodies the student experience exemplified by Oregon150—one where students are supported not just academically, but physically and mentally.  

She’s empowered to do whatever she wants to do in pursuit of her education and determined to show others that there’s no ‘right’ way to be happy or have fun.