A First-Generation Mexican American Student Paves the Way for Future Learners 

When Anahi Cortes, class of 2028, supported a classroom of sixth graders during a high school internship, she discovered her passion for education. Many of the students were non-English speakers. Helping them learn and feel included showed her how meaningful it could be to create welcoming spaces for every child.

Anahi grew up in Simi Valley, California, before her family moved to Medford, Oregon, in search of new opportunities. Shortly after that move, she was accepted to the University of Oregon—an achievement that marked a historic milestone for her family.

“Being a first-generation Mexican American student, it’s hard to navigate the system since I am the very first person in my family to attend a university,” Anahi shared. 

Despite those challenges, she has excelled academically while also balancing work and athletics, earning multiple scholar and coach awards as a lacrosse player. Now majoring in educational foundations with a minor in Latinx studies, Anahi is turning her early classroom experience into a path toward teaching. 

Donor support is helping make that dream a reality. This year, Anahi was selected as a recipient of the Berdine Jernigan Scholarship, an award created in 2016 through an estate gift from Cliff and Berdine Jernigan of San Carlos, California. The Jernigans make annual contributions to the fund, allowing them to witness the impact of their philanthropy during their lifetimes. 

Berdine, BA ’64 (education), taught third through eighth grades for fourteen years before transitioning into a real estate career. Cliff, BS ’64 (history), earned his juris doctor from the University of California–Berkeley, and has shared Berdine’s belief in the power of education and hard work ever since the two met on a blind date as UO undergraduates. Together, they established this scholarship to support aspiring teachers like Anahi—students in the College of Education preparing to make a difference in the classroom.

“This scholarship eases the financial stress on my family and allows me to focus on becoming the kind of teacher who makes every student feel welcomed and valued,” Anahi said.

Anahi aspires to teach at the elementary school level, where she can serve as a role model for students from similar backgrounds as hers and honor the sacrifices her parents made to support her own education. Her journey is shaped by resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to inclusive teaching. 

Each day at the UO, Anahi continues to lead and serve. She is actively involved in the Latinx Academic Residential Community and volunteers at events like the Eugene Math Festival, where she helps Spanish-speaking families feel connected and included.

Learn more about how you can support students like Anahi through your estate plan or donate to a scholarship fund today.