How Scholarships Help One Student “Dig in” to Her Future

When Carol Long, class of 2026 (anthropology), returned to college after an 11-year break, she did so with determination—and a new young son by her side. 

She had first enrolled in college after high school but had to step away when she and her husband faced homelessness. Years later, with her family back on steady ground, Carol felt the pull to finish what she had started. 

“My kid was just beginning school, and I couldn’t stop thinking about college, so I was like, I’m going to go back too. I’m going to do this,” she said. 

Now an anthropology major concentrating in bioanthropology and archaeology, Carol is charting a path toward a future career as a forensic anthropologist. Scholarship support has made her journey possible.  

“I’m extremely grateful,” she said. “Without scholarships, I wouldn’t be able to go to school at all. They mean the world to me. I wouldn’t have a career as a student, or even the chance to figure out what I wanted to do, without that support.” 

One scholarship recently opened the door to the Applegate House Field School, located just 30 minutes from her home, which made attending more accessible for her.  

“I wanted to get some hands-on experience out in the field, setting out a plot, learning how to dig, how far to dig, and what the sectioning would be like,” Carol explained. “At first, I thought I couldn’t go because I didn’t receive funding, but then, last minute, I got a scholarship, and I was extremely excited.” 

In addition to scholarships, Carol credits the University of Oregon’s Student Support Services TRIO program and the Nontraditional Student Union for helping her succeed. “TRIO has been a lifesaver,” she said. “They provide tutors, dedicated advisors, and a real community for students like me.” 

Carol has also benefited from faculty mentorship and has found inspiration in the UO’s reputation as a leading research institution.  

“The science and research here are really interesting,” she said. “It makes me proud to be part of a university that’s discovering and learning so much.” 

Looking ahead, Carol is eager to build on her fieldwork as she moves toward graduation. Her path shows how persistence and opportunity can intersect, proving that with the right support, it’s never too late to follow your passion and redefine what’s possible. 

Learn more about how you can support students like Carol through your estate plan or donate to the field school scholarship fund today.