2023-24 BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship Student Stories
- Jalell Anderson, Multnomah University
- Braxton Brooks, Bushnell University
- Jenna Clark, George Fox University
- Maria Gomez Loeza, Warner Pacific University
- Rodney Gray, Willamette University
- Ely Hernandez, Corban University
- Alex Lopez, Pacific University
- Juliette Morse, University of Portland
- Amol Shome, Reed College
Jalell Anderson
Hometown and State: Dallas, TX
College or University Name: Multnomah University
Major: Business Administration
Minor: Biology
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/him
The BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship really means a lot me to because I have been struggling financially. I’m truly blessed to receive this scholarship.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Multnomah University because I wanted to get closer to God. I’m studying business administration because I’m hoping to start my own business one day.
After graduation, I plan to…
Open my own barbershop and start an auto detailing business.
Braxton Brooks
Hometown and State: Atlanta, GA
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Business
Class standing: Freshman
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship was meaningful to me because it opened so many doors for my academic success. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose this major because I want to pursue a career in business after college.
After graduation, I plan to…
Become an owner of multiple companies and a successful investor.
This picture shows me (left), my boyfriend (middle), and my dad (right) at the Del Mar horse races in San Diego, California.
Jenna Clark
Hometown and State: San Diego, CA
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Computer Science
Class standing: Freshmen
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am honored to be a recipient of the BNSF Railway Foundation scholarship. Thanks to your generous support, I am the first in my family to attend college. Receiving this scholarship is not only a financial relief but also a tremendous vote of confidence in my abilities and aspirations. It reaffirms my commitment to my academic and personal goals. This scholarship allows me to pursue higher education as a computer science major at George Fox University, and I promise to make the most of this opportunity and give back to my community and society. Your generosity has motivated me to excel academically and strive to be the best version of myself. Thank you once again for making an impact on my life. I am deeply thankful for your generosity, and I will carry your kindness with me throughout my educational journey and beyond.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose George Fox University to pursue my higher education because their Be Known Promise aligns with my personal goals and morals. It felt like the perfect place to grow my faith and academics. I know I will be simultaneously challenged and supported through my entire journey. The small class sizes at GFU are also the best fit for me and my learning style. I want to know my professors and for them to know me. As a bonus, the campus is so beautiful and the location in Oregon has been more than appealing to me from the start. I chose to major in computer science after committing to George Fox because I am truly fascinated by technology and technology has become one of the most prevalent aspects of the world. I chose computer science because it utilizes a unique sense of creativity and expression.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to look for a job in the tech industry. Ideally, I would like to be a software engineer for a large company. The thought of applying the knowledge and skills I've acquired throughout my academic journey to real world projects and challenges is incredibly exciting. I can't wait to collaborate with talented professionals, tackle complex problems, and have a tangible impact on the development of innovative technologies. The dynamic and evolving nature of the software engineering field perfectly aligns with my passion for continuous learning and creative problem solving. I also plan to move; I am not exactly sure where yet but I would like to live somewhere I haven't before.
Maria Gomez Loeza
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
School or University Name: Warner Pacific University
Major: Business Administration
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship has been beyond meaningful by helping me afford my education. I am full-time employee and full-time student. It means a lot to me and I am thankful!
Why did you choose your college and major?
Warner Pacific University is a small school and that’s what I was looking for!
After graduation, I plan to…
I’m not quite sure what I will do after graduating, but hopefully I'll be working within a business department at a medical facility.
Rodney Gray
Hometown and State: Molalla, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Economics
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship helps pay for tuition and expenses. If I had I not received enough financial aid, including scholarship support, my parents would not have been able to afford to pay my tuition. I would likely be working in my hometown until I built up enough experience and money to attend school directly. This helps lessen the financial burden on my parents and me.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Willamette University because of the small classes and the emphasis on the subjects that I was interested in studying: accounting and business. Initially, I was going to be a business major, but after planning out the course work it would take me 5 years. Willamette University has a 3+2 program where I could do my BA in 3 years and MBA in two years; however, I had one year’s worth of college credits transferred so I could do the program as a 2+2, one year shorter than going with a business BA then onto an MBA. Therefore, I chose to study economics. I hope it will widen my breadth of knowledge than if I had only studied business.
After graduation, I plan to…
I plan to obtain my CPA license and become a financial manager in the bio-tech industry. I think investing and growth in this industry will be important in the future and will help solve problems that the world faces today. I would like to help contribute to this by doing what I like and do best: accounting.
Ely Hernandez
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
College or University Name: Corban University
Major: Biomedical science
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you for awarding me this meaningful scholarship. As a first-generation Latina paying for school and experiencing the process for the first time can be tough. It is thanks to people like you blessing my path that makes life easier. I would like to thank you for considering me for this scholarship. I understand that there are many deserving students and it was likely not an easy choice. I hope I can achieve and exceed my goals and make you proud.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I am studying biomedical science, or pre dental. Ever since I was a young girl, I enjoyed dentist visits. Although the university I attend doesn’t have a dental program, I am planning to attend dental school after I graduate from Corban University.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to help people feel beautiful about their smiles, like someone once helped me. I hope I can help those who feel less confident about their smile and boost their confidence so that they can perform to their full potential.
Alex Lopez
Hometown and State: Cornelius, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Business Management
Minor: Accounting
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship allows me to focus on my schoolwork and take some of the financial pressure off of paying for my education. I am thankful to BNSF Railway Foundation for providing me with this scholarship. Thank you, once again.
After graduation, I plan to…
After my graduation, I plan on applying for jobs in the accounting field and/or possibility opening my own sports shop.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Pacific University because of the proximity to my home, where I can see my family every day. I also continue to play soccer in my free time with my friends from high school. I chose to be a business major because I strongly believe in helping my community and, especially my family and friends, with their financial struggles. I dream of one day opening my own business in my community. I am leaning more towards the accounting aspect of the business side, as I love working with numbers.
Juliette Morse
Hometown and State: Clovis, CA
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you! The BNSF Railway Foundation Scholarship allowed me to offset the costs of college and everyday life. While I do pay for college with loans, the scholarships I receive help me lower my debt and set me up for a successful future.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to start my career in the automotive or aerospace industry. Currently, I am part of University of Portland's first Formula SAE team, and I hope this will give me a boost in networking and automotive knowledge so I can hit the ground running when I graduate.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose this school for their esteemed engineering program. I wanted to go into mechanical engineering because I like hands-on design and fabrication. Ever since I was a little kid, I have enjoyed playing with hot wheels and Legos, figuring out how parts go together and how cars can move. I decided that this would be the perfect major for me.
Amol Shome
School or University Name: Reed College
Major: Economics
Class Standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I like learning about things, and Reed College certainly offers a lot of things to learn about. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I thought the weather would be nice and I wanted to make a lot of money.
After graduation, I plan to…
move somewhere warm!