My co-coordinator and I (right) next to our Multicultural Resource Center, where our mentoring program meets to provide for first-year students.
2023-24 PCC Structurals Scholarship Student Stories
Nicole Chan
Hometown and State: Beaverton, OR
College or University Name: Reed College
Major: Biology
Minor: Sociology
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am very thankful for this scholarship, as it has allowed me to continue my educational journey. It has opened many doors for me and given me the opportunity to have an amazing college experience. This would not have been possible without the help of the PCC Structurals Scholarship. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to develop the skills to help my community and give back in the future.
After graduation, I plan to…
After I graduate, I plan to pursue an MD-PhD degree to research and treat illnesses that disproportionately affect underserved populations. My ultimate goal is to give greater access to care and knowledge as well as advocate for health equity.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Reed College due to its immense love of learning. There is a great support system from other students and professors to continue to foster your passions and interests. I'm a biology major because I love understanding the micro perspective of how things work, but also their additive impacts on a larger scale. I am also passionate about sociology, studying societal mechanisms, and their impacts; it is amazing to see biology and sociology intertwine and ways we can better our world.
Alyssa Dixon
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematics, Business Administration
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am truly grateful for this scholarship because it relieves some of my financial burden. I appreciate being able to focus more time and energy on my studies without the added worry of finances. Thank you for your support.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I want to utilize my education and resources to meet the digital needs of others by becoming a software developer.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Pacific University because the campus is beautiful, and the small student-to-faculty ratio gave me the opportunity to really get to know my professors. The school is very welcoming, and the computer science department prepares their students for the future well. I chose my major after taking an intro computer science class where I realized that I find coding and solving problems fun and would love to make a career out of it.
Chloe Guiberson
Hometown and State: Vernonia, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Biology
Class standing: Freshman
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you for this thoughtful contribution to my college education. Every dollar I have received has been a blessing and an answer to prayers.
After graduation, I plan to…
Pursue a career in my field of interest.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose George Fox University because it was highly recommended by my high school, family, and friends that attended in the past. I chose biology as my major as it has been my dream since childhood to work with animals in either a zoo or animal sanctuary.
Irwin Leon
Student Name: Irwin Leon
Hometown and State: Eugene, OR
College or University Name: Corban University
Major: Accounting
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/his
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The scholarship was extremely meaningful to me as it not only helps me, but also helps my parents and family. My parents are doing their best to help me during college while also raising my two little brothers. This removes a bit of the financial weight off our shoulders. Thank you so much for awarding me the PCC Structurals Scholarship. It truly does help!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Corban University because of its great Hoff School of Business. Also, they are a Christ-based University and have a great soccer program. I chose to pursue accounting because I enjoy numbers and it’s a field with great job security. I hope that with this major I can help my family and my future family.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to go back home to Eugene, Oregon, and become an auditor while also studying for my CPA license.
This photo is from a college soccer game, Corban University vs OIT. I am #7 celebrating a goal with my teammates, doing the sport that I love for the University I enjoy being at!
Augustine Pham
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Business Admin
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The PCC Structurals scholarship enabled me to continue my education at the University of Portland. Thank you so much for all that you have given.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to study computer science because I have always been interested in computers and modern technology.
After graduation, I plan to…
pursue a career in software engineering and give back to my community.
Mang Suum
Hometown and State: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Economics
Minor: Business
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The PCC Structurals Scholarship allowed me to pursue my education without worrying about accumulating too much debt or relying solely on my parents' income. As someone who comes from a low-income household, it has always been a concern for me and my two siblings to have equal opportunities to attend college without accumulating a lot of student loans. This scholarship has made it easier for me to afford the costly textbooks, meal plans, and living expenses throughout my semesters. This scholarship is a blessing for my family and me. Thank you.
After graduation, I plan to…
Traveling the world to help others, through teaching, analysis, or entrepreneurship.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Willamette University because I was always interested in attending a small, liberal arts college in Oregon. Additionally, Willamette provided me with financial opportunities to attend without too many worries about student loans. I chose economics as my major for several reasons. Firstly, I have always been fascinated by economic systems and their impact on society. Studying economics allows me to explore decision-making, resource allocation, and market dynamics. Furthermore, economics provides a versatile and analytical skill set that can be applied to various fields. Lastly, the excellent economics faculty at Willamette University drew me in with their welcoming nature.
Thomas Tacha
Hometown and State: Gladstone, OR
College or University Name: Multnomah University
Major: Business Administration
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship was meaningful to me because I have worked extremely hard the past three years. It feels as if my hard work was rewarded. Thank you!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Multnomah University because it is a local, close-knit community, and Christian college.
After graduation, I plan to…
Pursue a nursing degree and get into business management.
Byron Velazquez Olivera
Hometown and State: Newport, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Kinesiology
Class standing: Freshman
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The PCC Structurals scholarship is very important to me as it helps me continue with my dream of being a student-athlete. I am very grateful. Thank you!
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I would like to start working for a large company and then be able to create my own business.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I’ve been interested in studying kinesiology since I took a class in high school that covered the subject. I chose Bushnell University because it allowed me to play the sport that I love the most and at the same time study something that I like.
