My name is Adriana Alcantar Chavez, and I am a recipient of the OCF Joseph Weston Public Foundation Scholarship this year. I would like to express my gratitude to each and every one of you for making it possible for me to continue my studies and eventually become a mental health therapist. I was immensely happy to learn that I was the recipient.
Your support for my education will free me up to keep concentrating on my academics without having to worry about how I'm going to pay for my tuition. It's really a tremendous honor for me as a first-generation student from a household of seven. I hope that in the future I will pay it forward and help as many individuals as possible with my degree. Thank you for helping me reach my goals and receive a higher education.

Bushnell University had all the things I was in search of. As a Christian, it is important to have a Christ-centered environment and a supportive community. Bushnell had this and much more. I felt called to choose Bushnell. I also had the great blessing to be a part of Bushnell’s Cross Country and Track programs. As to why I chose Psychology as my major there were various reasons. Personal experience with mental health struggles helped me develop a strong passion for the mental health field. I understand and want to help other individuals process through their struggles. I want to be a light in their dark moments, all people deserve support. Not only will my degree in Psychology help me help others but it will also allow me to better myself and grow as a person.

By gaining this scholarship, I have less of a financial burden as a full-time student and employee. I could not have attended Linfield without the help of these funds. Thank you so much for your donation and for valuing education.

I love the friends I have made here. I had friends who were already attending classes at Linfield and I loved the campus.

I hope to find an internship this year, and possibly use my accounting skills in the wine industry; staying close to home (McMinnville).

Thank you so much for this generous scholarship. Coming from a low-income household, I never imagined that attending a private university would be possible for me. For a long time, it felt like a distant dream, something I couldn't afford to pursue. Without the support from donors like yourselves, that dream would still feel out of reach.
This scholarship means more than just financial relief. It allows me to focus less on the stress of affording my education and more on fully embracing everything that college has to offer–from academic growth to personal development. Your generosity has not only opened doors for me but also lifted a weight I've carried for so long. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to learn, grow, and engage in this new chapter of my life. Thank you.

I chose to major in education and learning with a minor in disability studies because I am deeply passionate about education and believe in the power of creating inclusive and welcoming spaces for students of all backgrounds, abilities, and experiences. Education should be a place where every student feels seen, heard, and valued, regardless of the challenges they may face. I want to foster a classroom environment where diversity is celebrated and all students are encouraged to embrace their unique strengths.
I chose teaching because I want to inspire curiosity, creativity, and a love of learning in my students. I believe that education is more than just imparting knowledge–it's about sparking excitement for exploration and critical thinking. I hope to guide students in discovering their passions and capabilities and to help them develop the skills they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom. By fostering a love for learning, I aim to create a lasting impact that goes beyond academic achievement, empowering students to become lifelong learners and active contributors to their communities.

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in teaching, where I can continue fostering inclusive, creative learning environments for students. Beyond my professional goals, I have a deep desire to travel and experience different cultures, which I believe will broaden my perspective both as a person and an educator. I also envision starting a family, with the hope of potentially opening my home to children in the foster system, providing a loving and stable environment.
Additionally, I have a love for animals and would like to have many of them as part of my family. While teaching remains central to my future plans, I'm also passionate about educational policy and may eventually pursue a PhD to influence systemic change in education, advocating for diversity, inclusion, and equitable opportunities for all students. My path forward is driven by a desire to make a meaningful impact, both in the classroom and beyond.

I am deeply honored and grateful to be a recipient of the Joseph E. Weston Public Foundation Annual Scholarship. My time at the University of Portland has been both rewarding and challenging, and this support comes at a pivotal moment in my journey toward graduation. Throughout my four years at UP, I have been entirely responsible for covering my tuition, working 30 hours a week as a server while maintaining full-time enrollment and strong academic standing. To date, I have paid over $60,000 out of pocket toward my education. However, unforeseen circumstances this past year have significantly impacted my financial stability. Earlier this year, I stepped away from work to provide full-time care for my grandfather during his final months. While this was a deeply meaningful time, it depleted my savings and left me unable to fund my final semester. Additionally, I have been navigating personal health challenges, including delaying an MRI to evaluate a potential pituitary gland tumor due to financial constraints. Receiving this scholarship has renewed my hope and determination to overcome these obstacles and complete my degree. Your generosity is a profound reminder of the power of community support, and I am committed to honoring this gift through my continued hard work and dedication. Thank you for believing in me and investing in my future.

I chose the University of Portland because of its award-winning nursing program and its proximity to home, which allowed me to stay close to family while pursuing my education. I have always been inspired by the dedication and compassion of nurses whose work ethic and commitment make a significant impact on the well-being of society. When I accepted my offer to the nursing program at the University of Portland, I was by my grandfather’s side as he received care at our local hospital. That experience solidified my decision, and my career choice is deeply dedicated to honoring his memory and the compassionate care he received.

After graduation, I plan to become a registered nurse specializing in either hospice or critical care. My goal is to provide compassionate, high-quality care to patients during their most vulnerable moments—whether that means ensuring comfort and dignity in their final days or offering life-saving support during critical times. My grandfather’s experience with his nurses left a deep impression on me; their kindness, skill, and dedication brought comfort not only to him but to our entire family. I aspire to bring that same level of care to my future patients, creating meaningful moments of support and healing when it matters most.

Thank you for this scholarship and aiding my opportunity to participate in the Master of Counseling at Western Seminary. I am extremely thankful for the opportunity afforded me partially through your commitment to aid students like me. As a person of color and multiple cultures any aid I receive lift up my community as well. Through my story many of my family members who are younger have now attended college and/or completed degrees. By helping me, you are inspiring others.

I choose counseling because of the heart I have to serve others. I want to be a light in dark times and surround those who are in need or hurting with hope and love.

I plan to run and own a private practice with a Christian emphasis.