Navigate to our 2021-22 E3 Student Stories and learn more about Earn, Educate, Empower (E3).
Karina Alcantara
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
School or University Name: Linfield University
Major: Law, Rights, and Justice
Minor: Sociology
Why was this E3 matching funding meaningful to you?
The E3 program is meaningful to me because it allowed me to continue my education without having to worry about the financial obstacles that could've prevented me from my studies. I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to focus on my education without stressing about the financial aspect. Thank you to everyone who made the E3 matching funding program possible!
What has the E3 program taught you about saving and investing?
The E3 program has shown me the importance of taking care of credit and building a healthy credit score in order to make significant purchases in the future.
To what extent has your participation in the E3 Matched College Savings Program influenced your decision to continue enrollment at your college?
The E3 program was the main reason I was able to continue my enrollment at Linfield University.
Why did you choose your college and major?
My focus on law, rights, and justice will equip me with the skills to succeed when I attend law school and help me lead and serve my community in the future. I want to help the undocumented and refugee community in Oregon through legal services.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation I plan to take a gap year to gain professional experience and to study for the law school admissions test.
This year I had the privilege to attend the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute Conference in Chicago, Illinois. I learned from and heard stories of other Latinx and Hispanic leaders in their careers from policy makers to educators. This opportunity not only allowed me to envision myself as a presenter for the USHLI Conference one day, but it also allowed me to visit a new place that I can envision myself attending law school.
Teresa Jurado Flores
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
School or University Name: Warner Pacific University
Major: Early childhood education
Why was this E3 matching funding meaningful to you?
The E3 matching funding was meaningful to me because I could pursue my desired degree with less stress about paying for my tuition. Thank you so much for this fantastic opportunity!
What has the E3 program taught you about saving and investing?
The E3 program taught me that saving and investing are beneficial and crucial to maintaining economic stability. I don't have to be stressed about money if I use it wisely by saving it or spending it on things that matter, like tuition.
To what extent has your participation in the E3 Matched College Savings Program influenced your decision to continue enrollment at your college?
When I knew that the E3 program was an option for me, I had to keep going to school because I had help to pay most of my tuition. This program pushed me to keep attending.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I want to become a teacher to inspire students to enjoy school and be successful.
After graduation, I plan to…
I plan to pursue a master's in education or work at an elementary school.
Adrianna Rusk
Hometown and State: Eugene, OR
School or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Psychology
Minor: Theology
Why was this E3 matching funding meaningful to you?
This funding helped provide me with the opportunity to stay in school and set up financial success for my family. Thank you for helping me with my schooling so that I may help my family!
What has the E3 program taught you about saving and investing?
This program has taught me about SMART goals and how to budget appropriately. I have learned what different types of accounts there are and the pros and cons of each option.
To what extent has your participation in the E3 Matched College Savings Program influenced your decision to continue enrollment at your college?
My participation in this program lifted a lot of stress off my shoulders so that I am able to focus on my schooling instead of stressing about finances.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose this college based on the community here. Everyone is so on fire for God and inspires me to be a better follower of Christ!
After graduation, I plan to…
Use my education to help in a counseling center or move forward with more education.
Qilin Xie
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
School or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Philosophy and Global Cultural Studies
Why was this E3 matching funding meaningful to you?
Thank you so much for your support! E3 is a meaningful program to me because the funds help me pay for my tuition and fees. I can dedicate more time to study and focus on my career goals.
To what extent has your participation in the E3 Matched College Savings Program influenced your decision to continue enrollment at your college?
Knowing that there are people that care and believe in my education makes me feel like I am not alone in my journey of pursuing higher education.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to double major in philosophy and global cultural studies because of my passion for learning cultures, history, and languages. Throughout my study, I have developed skills in close reading, critical analysis, and original thinking, with an emphasis on promoting a cross-cultural understanding that will help me in any related fields.
After graduation, I plan to…
take some time to consider what career I want to pursue.
