This scholarship means a lot to me because it allows me to finish my last year of college with hope for the future. I was able to graduate from high school with my associates and finish my bachelors in two years. College was never something my family talked about, but I looked to it as my way out. Being able to go to college has been the best decision of my life, I have met so many great people and have been able to network with my professors to have a job set up as soon as I finish school. I’m very thankful for your kind donation and allowing me to further my education at a place where I feel at home.

I chose Bushnell University because of their softball program and for the strong community the school is known for. Bushnell has allowed me to continue my education at my own pace and has had my back through the ups and downs. I’m studying Business administration: digital marketing because creating and designing have always been a passion of mine. I hope to create an ad for the Superbowl one day and make meaningful contributions to my community. This school has taught me the importance of giving back and I hope to pass on the generosity you have shown me.

Stay in Eugene for a few years and work at the same place I have my internship set up. Right now, I’m hoping to work for Holt International Adoption Agency. They are a small company that serves others, and I would have the opportunity to intern in their marketing department and spread their positive message.

Going to school has always been somewhat frightening. There are always questions hovering around about the upcoming year and what it may hold. For me, one of the biggest and most taxing questions was about finances, how was I going to be able to pay to attend this private college, or any college for that matter? I have been so blessed with help in that area, and this is one of those blessings. Scholarships are so meaningful in general, and when you receive one, it is so exciting, liberating, and humbling. I know times are tough for everyone, and even so, you generously chose to donate. I also know you have a lot of choices when it comes to donating, and I am so honored and grateful that you chose to donate to my education. I promise to be a responsible steward of your donation and trust. Your generosity means the world to me, and it lightens the load of financial burden, much more than one may know. It also encourages me to work even harder in my studies. I would sincerely like to extend a heartfelt thank you and blessings to the donor(s) for this amazing scholarship.

Originally, I had applied and was accepted into a couple of schools in Oregon, and Bushnell wasn't on the original list. I chose schools that had the academics I was looking for. However, during the visits to those other schools, a heavy feeling of uncertainty and unease accompanied me, and I felt at a complete loss for what to do next. I found myself praying and asking God what I was to do. After much reflection, I made the decision to pass on them. I continued praying as I was back to square one and was unsure of where God was leading me, what I was to do, or where I was to go. By several consecutive coincidences, which I don't think are coincidental at all, I was led to my current school, Bushnell University. I could not be happier. I am starting my second year at Bushnell, and I cannot see myself anywhere else. I truly believe I made the right decision, and I am glad God led me here.
As for my major, I would have to say that I didn't quite choose it, it chose me. I am a music major, with a concentration in Worship Arts. Music has always been a really big part of my life, but I didn't truly appreciate it until it was taken away from me when I became deaf. During that time, I struggled a lot and learned even more than I could have imagined. I decided to change from the educational path of becoming a veterinarian, to a musician. Which is quite a big jump, but I don't regret it. I gained some hearing back after a year or so, and I stuck with the educational path, I believe that my major is the right one for me. I want to share just how powerful music is; that it can break down all sorts of societal or cultural barriers- even the auditory barrier. I also am really enjoying my minor in Bible and Theology, I am learning so much from the classes I am taking for that, and I am always excited for the courses and always end up loving them.

While I have an idea of what I plan to do after college, I know that I am not the one who is truly in control of my plan. That being said as of now, I feel a strong pull to go on mission trips and use my major- music, and minor- Bible and theology, to spread the gospel and the love of God. But from an ethnomusicology point of view. We can teach everybody our worship songs, but how much more meaningful would it be for someone to learn their culture's type of music, and create a worship song using that kind of music? When something is rooted in who they are, that acknowledges who they were as a culture, and their music, bringing the love of God, and the words of God through something they identify with and understand makes it mean so much more. It gives a sense of ‘this is for me,’ rather than ‘this is a religion brought here from the West.’ While of course doing other ministry and humanitarian work, like helping the people of hard-to-reach, or troubled places, church planting, and everything else involved in missionary trips. I am also considering graduate school after graduation, though we will see what the Lord has planned.

Thank you so much for your generous donation to my future. Your kind contribution allows me to attend George Fox University with a major in mechanical engineering and a minor in business administration. I will also be running for their cross-country and track teams, where I hope I can make a significant impact in their program. With your help I will now be able to put more time and energy into my education and athletics, rather than stressing about working to make money. There are few words to truly express my gratitude, but thank you so much for investing in my future and improving my college experience.

I chose George Fox because of the atmosphere. I came on a visit to meet and stay with the cross-country team and immediately felt like I was part of their family. I also felt like God was calling me to George Fox, as everything in my life pointed towards it. I chose to major in mechanical engineering because I've always enjoyed building stuff; watching a piece of metal or a sheet of wood turn into an amazing, finished product is something that everyone needs to experience. Then in seventh grade I did a research project on aerospace engineers and fell in love; ever since, that’s what I've wanted to do.

After asking around and talking to many experienced people, I realized that most aerospace workplaces hire mechanical
engineers and just may require some further specialization. After graduation, I plan to work somewhere as an aerospace engineer, but I am not entirely sure where yet because I would also like to work back in my hometown. However, it's not the best place for an aerospace engineer to find work, so I'm still debating if that is worth it. I also recently found out, through my engineering class, that I'm not a massive fan of the building process when it comes to working with metal (I've only worked with wood in the past). So I will probably try to find a design job at an aerospace company.

Many of my friends at school do not have the financial benefit of scholarships like I do. When I talk with them about struggling to make enough money to pay their tuition and having to consider tough choices like selling a car to afford one more year, or weigh the benefit of an over the table job versus losing their food stamps I sympathize, but cannot relate to their struggles. Having this scholarship has allowed me to be able to only worry about school, and not have any additional financial stress. For this I am very thankful, and it has inspired me to give myself, to people in my community and to people overseas that I do not know personally, but I know are suffering the destruction of their home and entire nation.

Lewis & Clark’s location was a big plus for me when choosing the school. As someone who enjoys outdoor activities like skiing, hiking, and boating, going to LC and living in Portland has allowed me to do all of these things. In my years here I have made many memories rafting on the Deschutes, Clackamas, and White Salmon rivers with my friends, going night skiing at Mt. Hood after class, and discovering many of the beautiful views that Oregon has to offer. I came to Lewis & Clark fairly confident I would be a biology major, due to being raised to appreciate the value of the natural world and also learning of the threats that face it. I saw a biology degree as something which would allow me to both work in outdoor spaces and work to keep them in a condition benefiting humans and nature. Being a student at LC has directly helped me achieve this goal even before graduation through research opportunities related to forest ecology in southwest Washington (2022) and in the western Amazon Rainforest most recently this last summer.

After graduation I look forward to being able to follow any path that inspires me, and currently I am considering several. One option is returning to a job in wildland fire. Summer break only encompasses a portion of the ever lengthening fire season and not having to return to school would allow me to work a full season. Three years ago I worked on an engine crew in Eastern Oregon and if I went back to fire it would interest me to join a handcrew and maybe even a hotshot crew. A longer term plan of mine is going to school to be an EMT / Paramedic. Working as a firefighter paramedic is a career I have been considering for some time and even if I do not remain in that area, the training will be to my benefit in any job and daily life.

I am thrilled beyond words that you have decided to help me continue my education here at Pacific University. This isn't the first time I have received a scholarship from your foundation, and for that I am incredibly thankful. This year, I will be a senior graduating with a major in Criminal Justice, Law and Society, and a minor in Creative Writing (they are not technically related, though I suppose one day I could make them work together). This year, as part of my graduation requirements, I am participating in what is known as a "practicum"–which is really just a fancy way of saying "internship," but more hands on. Of the locations accepting students, I am proud to say that I was accepted to perform mine at the Federal Public Defenders Office in Portland. In addition, I plan on spending my final year traveling via travel-courses. For the fall-winter term, it is my hope to spend a couple weeks in Nepal looking at religion and philosophy, and then take a writing course in Italy for the spring-summer term. For extracurriculars, I am spending my time acting out my role as President of Pacific University's Greek Senate, volunteering for my community, while also supporting other clubs and organizations on campus. Your contribution to my education is what allows for all of this to be possible, and for that I am sincerely thankful.

There are a number of reasons I chose to come to the Pacific. I first found Pacific as part of a college trek through Oregon. I really enjoyed the small-town vibe and the abundance of natural life. Quite literally the defining feature in my mind was how many squirrels I saw running around. I wanted to come to a smaller school, and the environment and overall social climate has been really beneficial for me when it comes to making connections and finding a community.
As for my major, I originally wanted to get into Criminal Justice with the intent of solving crime by putting people away who deserved it. I had this grandiose idea that I could figure out who did and didn't deserve to be locked up through personal involvement in the system. But that has long since changed since coming to Pacific, and learning through my classes how the system works and operates. I feel a greater sense of compassion for those unlucky enough to end up in the system-most of the time it is by mistake or poor circumstances surrounding how they grew up. Now, I just want to be there for people when they are at their lowest and help them find a way to be better.

My direct goal following graduation is finding a place to live. I've fallen in love with the community in northern Oregon, particularly surrounding Forest Grove, Hillsboro, and Beaverton. My goal also includes finding a stable, long-term job, preferably at a firm or some organization directly related to the legal process. In addition, I have been considering pursuing the paralegal studies course at Portland Community College, in order to further enhance my studies and qualifications, while integrating into the legal field.

Firstly, I want to thank the scholarship donors for establishing and funding the Carpenter Foundation Annual Scholarship. I am beyond honored and grateful for this opportunity and this scholarship has been so meaningful to me. I am a first-generation college student, and the Carpenter Foundation Scholarship has helped support me through my educational career, allowing me to focus on my academics and not think about the constant worry of financial loans. Without this generous gift, I may not have been able to continue my education at the University of Portland, which I’ve found to be like a second home to me over the past three years. For this, I want to thank the donors from the bottom of my heart. Words cannot express how grateful I am for this amazing opportunity and generous gift which has helped me succeed and pursue my dreams.

I chose the University of Portland because of the close-knit community and environment displayed during my first tour visit. Upon my first visit, I immediately felt welcomed and invited to be a part of the community at UP. I was a quiet senior in high school and intimidated by the new world I would have to face in college. The staff and students I met during my visit were so personable and they presented me with so many connections and opportunities which would ultimately push me forward in pursuing a career in physical therapy. I decided to major in biology and minor in integrative health and wellness as well as exercise science. All three of these topics show me the different aspects of the world I will be involved in. I am so glad I made the decision to come to UP and I cannot imagine being anywhere else.

I plan to apply to and complete a three-year Doctor of Physical Therapy program and receive my licensure for the state I will be residing in.

Thank you so much for this scholarship. My family's financial status changed recently and this scholarship helped me to stay here in the Willamette community. I really appreciate this opportunity because of how much I love the community here. When I arrived I immediately felt like part of the campus with the help of other students and faculty. Thanks to this help I have be able to stay on the honor roll for a majority of my semesters. This scholarship has helped me to remain here and continue to thrive both socially and academically! Again, thank you for this scholarship and this opportunity.

I chose Willamette because of the Community that is here. I do best in my academics when I have the ability to have one-on-one conversations with my professors, and in smaller classes. This is why I originally looked into a small liberal arts experience. When I came to Willamette though, I was hooked. The tour I was given was exemplary, with a tour guide who was enthusiastic about the campus and the programs offered. One of the students at the front desk offered me their card and assistance if I had any more questions about the affinity groups on campus. I just felt at home when I came to visit and I decided directly after that tour that I would attend if given the option.
I chose my major due to a true interest in psychology. Ever since I was a kid I have thought about the way people work. I am fascinated by how people's current character and personality traits were shaped by their upbringing. I was also inspired by my father and grandfather who were both psychology majors, the latter of which was a psychotherapist. I always grew up with psychological concepts in my mind, and I wanted to learn more.

While I'm unsure of my exact plan post-graduation, I do believe that the concepts and skills I will learn while earning my degree in Psychology will be able to help me in various fields. At the end of the day, I want a career that is centered around helping people and learning more about how we as humans interact with the world around us.