2022-23 NW Natural Scholarship Student Stories
Damian Ball
Hometown and State: Turner, OR
College or University Name: Corban University
Majors: Math, Biology
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him
Going into my senior year, finances were tight, even though I had worked during the summer to hopefully pay for the coming academic year. This scholarship has made that feasible and I cannot express my thanks enough that I am able to finish my education.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to double major in math and biology to possibly pursue a career working in a hospital lab, conducting various tests on biological samples.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan on seeking a job at a hospital as a lab assistant.
Miriam Gutierrez
Hometown and State: Eugene, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: International Business & Management
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: She/Her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The NW Natural Scholarship is very meaningful to me because it has given me the opportunity to further my education in business. As a first-generation college student, I am very thankful that I have had the opportunity to attend a great college where I could deepen my knowledge and acquire new skills. Thank you so much for contributing to my dream of earning a bachelor’s degree.
After graduation, I plan to…
After I graduate, I want to explore non-profit work. I would like to work in the marketing and development department of nonprofits. I want to work for an organization that is mission-oriented and that is making a difference in the world.
Why did you choose your college and major?
Before I entered college, I knew I wanted to stay with my parents to save money. I never wanted my parents to feel the financial burden of having their child go to university. Therefore, it limited my options to the University of Oregon or Bushnell University. When I toured Bushnell University, I had a great experience, and I knew that I would be able to grow as a person by being a student there. I loved that it was a smaller campus so I could easily find all the needed resources to help me succeed academically. I wanted to study business because I am interested in non-profit work and eventually, I would like to start my own business. Now that I am in my last year of college, I can say that I don’t regret my decision to come to this school because of the excellent business program and because of the relationships I built.
Angel Hernandez
Hometown and State: Kelso, WA
College or University Name: Linfield University
Major: Business Management
Class Standing: Junior
Pronouns: He/Him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Receiving this scholarship has alleviated some financial stress, meaning that I can focus more on the soccer field and classroom. I am very thankful for the opportunity to maximize the use of the scholarship to further benefit my education. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to attend Linfield University because of the campus and opportunity to continue my career in soccer. My major was decided my sophomore year when I gained a passion for learning about business.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to fully maximize my business management degree and ability to speak Spanish. Using these tools, I will attempt to establish my own sports firm.
Mimi Le
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Reed College
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Class Standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: Any
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship is helping me further my education and supports me to pursue better opportunities. Thank you so much!
Why did you choose your college and major?
My major fits best with what I was planning on doing in med school, and Reed has programs that allow me to experience research in a field that I would love to continue working in.
After graduation, I plan to…
Go to Medical School
Natalie Nelson
Hometown and State: Newberg, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Biology
Class Standing: Senior
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship allows me to be able to not stress as much about paying for testing and applications for optometry school and relieves the financial burden of higher education. I am so thankful to be granted this scholarship, as it is so beneficial to me and it means the world to have the extra help. Thank you to those who have made this possible.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation I plan on attending optometry school to pursue my lifelong dream of being an optometrist.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Pacific university because I love the small school feel it has to it and it is close to my hometown and family. My college years here have been an amazing experience and I am so thankful to be able to attend Pacific. I also plan to attend graduate school at Pacific University.
Anna Nguyen
Hometown and State: Vancouver, WA
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Chemistry
Minor: Business Administration
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: She/Her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you so much for this scholarship! It means a lot to my family and me. Coming from a big family, and being a first-generation student, this scholarship helps relieve financial stress and allows me to focus more on school, which I really appreciate.
After graduation, I plan to…
I plan to take a gap year and gain more experience in the dental field. As of right now, I am a dental assistant. Then I plan to apply to dental school and start my journey there.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose chemistry as my major because it involves everything in the world. I can do hands-on experiments at school, and I really enjoy the concept of it. Although it may be challenging at times, I like the challenges because it keeps me thinking and learning.
Jose Ochoa-Delgado
Hometown and State: Woodburn, OR
College or University Name: Warner Pacific University
Major: Accounting
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Being awarded this scholarship has been very meaningful to me due to the financial challenges I face towards completing my college degree. Last year, I took on the mental and physical toll of commuting from my parent’s home to avoid housing bills. The biggest challenge with my commute was the daily two-hour drive from campus and then the drive back home. Although I was able to find an apartment for this school year, I now take on a huge responsibility of living as an independent adult with more routinely obligations. I find myself feeling less stress daily as well as being more productive as an advantage from my closer commute. Thank you for making my college student lifestyle more achievable and for your support in helping me complete my college degree.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I choose to attend Warner Pacific University because of the student to professor ratio, the men's soccer program, and the business program. The size of my University allows me to build strong relationships with professors and with students all across campus. The men's soccer program was perhaps the strongest influence on my college choice because of our amazing coaching staff and magnificent team culture. The business program was also a focal point for me because of the networking opportunities available and constant events that take place at or near campus. When I first enrolled at Warner Pacific University, I decided to pursue a business administration major. However, through the course of my first term, I then decided to convert to an accounting major. This more specific occupation aligns with my skill set and favorite subject of math.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I will continue to be involved in the Willamette Valley soccer community. I will also strive for a full-time job as an accountant in a medium-size firm, preferably in Oregon. I will also be pursuing my dream of opening my own soccer academy to help young, developing players play at the collegiate level.
This is a photo of myself in a soccer training session with the Warner Pacific University men’s soccer program. This photo was taken at Providence Park Stadium, home of the Portland Timbers.
Trisha Faye Tan
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Majors: Finance and Marketing
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: She/Her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you! This scholarships lessens the burden of paying for my schooling. I am grateful for this opportunity!
After graduation, I plan to…
I plan to work at an innovative company that strives to be better. I want to be a market research analyst because I am an analytical person. I stand for inclusivity and diversity, so I am hoping that my beliefs will align with the company I work for.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose my major because of what I want to do in the future. It is a great learning process.