Stories of Impact

The scholarship support from donors to the University of Oregon has made a profound and positive impact on my journey here. It’s thanks to the freedom these scholarships provide that I’ve been able to explore my interests, develop my skills, and strive to become the strongest future medical school applicant I can be.

As a first-generation student, navigating my college experience at the UO has been challenging—but knowing that I have financial support from the Mary Corrigan and Richard Solari Scholarship has significantly eased the burden on my family. Coming from a low-income background, attending a prestigious university like the UO didn’t seem possible for someone like me, but your support is helping me achieve my dream of earning a college education.

As a first-generation college student, financial stress has always loomed over my educational path. My scholarship eased that burden, allowing me to focus more on my coursework and campus involvement without constantly worrying about how I would afford tuition, books, or basic living expenses. This scholarship hasn’t just supported me financially—it’s created a ripple effect, enabling me to grow as a leader, learner, and community member. I’m incredibly grateful for the Williams Family Scholarship!

The feeling of being supported by the environment around you is deeply motivating. As I reflect on the challenges I’ve overcome and the opportunities I’ve embraced, I feel more driven than ever to keep striving for excellence. With the foundation I’ve built, I plan to pursue a master’s degree and further expand my knowledge and skills in data analytics to bring my vision of a finance institution to life.

This year, I discovered my passion for social science research! During the fall term, I began working as an undergraduate research assistant for the Center for Childhood Safety and Wellbeing at the University of Oregon. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been able to take on a position with fewer hours, thanks to the financial security provided by my scholarship. Had I been in a different situation, I might not have discovered this field or had the privilege of engaging in research.

Reflecting on the past year of college, the Thomas E. Mattson Scholarship has been incredibly beneficial to my learning. I applied for and was accepted into the Humanities Undergraduate Archival Fellowship, an opportunity to explore archival methods and work on processing several collections in Special Collections and University Archives. After graduation, I plan to pursue a master’s degree in library science, and this fellowship has given me crucial experience.

Receiving the Margaret McBride Lehrman Fellowship has been an incredible source of support and encouragement throughout my academic journey at the University of Oregon. Knowing that my work was recognized and supported by a fellowship dedicated to advancing strong writing and communication skills has been deeply motivating and empowering. I am immensely grateful for the support, and I carry that sense of encouragement with me as I continue to grow as a scholar, writer, and advocate for inclusive and informed public discourse.

My sophomore year has been one of the most transformative and enlightening years yet, and I owe this opportunity for growth to the Peg and Myles Brand Presidential Scholarship. At the end of my freshman year, I declared a bioengineering minor after visiting the Knight Campus and witnessing the important research being conducted. I am deeply motivated to repay the gift of this scholarship by using my education to do good in the world and help as many individuals as I can.

One of the great things about the PathwayOregon program is that it connects you with a community ready to support you. Advising appointments and workshops have helped me research academic and professional opportunities, especially as I’ve been exploring study abroad programs and internships. It’s been incredibly helpful to have guidance during this process as I begin thinking about my future after graduation.