2024-25 PCC Structurals Scholarship Student Stories
Roylonte Bunn
Hometown: Portland, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) major with a focus on General Business, Marketing, and Communications
Class standing: Junior
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude for your generous donation. Your support plays a significant role in my ability to continue my education and work toward earning my degree.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to major in IDS because it allows me to combine my interests in business, marketing, and communications in a way that prepares me for a versatile career in the business world. I chose to attend Bushnell University because of its supportive community and the unique opportunities it offers both academically and athletically. In addition to my studies, I am proud to be a member of the university's basketball team, where the cultural pillars stand on teamwork, discipline, and perseverance which are qualities that I also apply to my academic pursuits.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to work for a marketing firm where I can put my skills and knowledge to work, helping businesses grow and connect with their target audiences. I am excited about the possibilities that lie ahead and I am committed to making a positive impact in the field of marketing.
Gabrielle Tata-Rodrigues
College or University Name: Corban University
Major: Biomedical Sciences
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship is not only a tremendous financial relief, but it is also an inspiring reminder of the opportunities that education can provide. For as long as I can remember, money has always been a challenge for my family. My mom and grandparents have worked tirelessly to support me, often making personal sacrifices to ensure that I have the chance to pursue my dreams. Despite their efforts, the cost of education has always been a significant barrier. Your scholarship has lightened this burden, allowing me to focus more fully on my studies without the constant worry of how I will afford tuition, books, and other essential expenses. Beyond the financial support, this scholarship has strengthened my belief in the value of perseverance and hard work. Knowing that others believe in my potential motivates me to give my best in all aspects of my academic and personal life. I am more determined than ever to make the most of this opportunity, with the ultimate goal of giving back to my community and making a positive impact in the world. So, thank you for your generosity and for investing in my future.
Why did you choose your college and major?
There were several reasons I chose Corban University, and one of the most significant factors was the low student-to-faculty ratio. I value the opportunity to engage with professors and mentors who genuinely care about my success and who are willing to invest in my growth as a student. The small class sizes ensure that I won't just be a face in the crowd, but instead can develop meaningful relationships with my professors and peers. This personalized approach to education is something I truly appreciate and believe will help me thrive in my studies. Additionally, being surrounded by fellow believers in Christ was an important consideration for me. I wanted to attend a university where my faith could be nurtured alongside my academic pursuits. Corban’s commitment to integrating Christian values into the learning experience aligns perfectly with my desire to grow both in knowledge and in my relationship with God. I am excited about the opportunity to be part of a community where faith, learning, and service are intertwined, and where I can engage with others who share similar values. Finally, Corban University is located close to home, which was an important factor in my decision. Family is incredibly important to me, and staying close to home allows me to remain connected with my loved ones and support them as they support me in my educational journey. The convenience of being nearby provides me with a sense of stability and peace as I embark on this challenging yet exciting path toward earning my degree in biomedical sciences.
After graduation, I plan to…
After completing my degree at Corban University, I plan to apply for the two-year Radiography program at Portland Community College (PCC). My decision to pursue a career in radiology is driven by my passion for healthcare and my desire to be directly involved in diagnosing and treating patients. The combination of my foundational knowledge in biomedical sciences from Corban, along with the specialized training I will receive at PCC, will equip me with the technical expertise needed to excel in this field.
This photo was taken at my uncle’s wedding in September! I am to the left of the bride with long curly hair.
Nathalie Alvarado
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Biology
Class standing: Senior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Thank you so much for the PCC Structurals Scholarship! I am incredibly grateful for the support that you have given me, and I am honored and privileged to have been selected as a recipient for this scholarship. Your scholarship makes it possible for me to continue my education at George Fox University and be able to fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a pharmacist. Additionally, this scholarship will enable me to continue to learn and gain experience in the field to help others in my local community. I am truly thankful for your support because through this scholarship, I will be the first in my family to graduate from college. Thank you for supporting me!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose George Fox University because of the Christ-centered community, the small class sizes, and their Biology program. I have enjoyed being able to learn, grow, and mature in a Christ-centered environment with other students. I chose to major in Biology because I am interested in pursuing a career in pharmacy. I am interested in learning more about the biochemical mechanisms of drug action, drug uses, and physiology. Therefore, I believe that the classes offered in this major will prepare me for the next step in my career.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to attend pharmacy school and continue to help others in my community.
Idalyne Giron Castillo
College or University Name: Lewis & Clark College
Major: Computer Science
Class standing: Junior
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship provided me the funding to complete my undergraduate studies that I would otherwise not be able to pursue if it wasn't for your financial support. Thank you for your generosity!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Lewis & Clark College because of the academic support from professors and resources available. I chose to major in computer science because I enjoy the challenge of solving problems and there are many areas of the field to explore. It’s an international field that people interact with day to day, and I want to contribute to it in the future.
After graduation, I plan to…
I want to utilize my education in a subfield of computer science of interest.
Hazel Swafford
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Graphic Design
Minor: Computer Science
Class standing: Junior with Senior Standing
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Receiving this scholarship is profoundly important to me, as it represents a vital stepping stone in my educational journey. It will allow me to deepen my knowledge and refine my skills, equipping me to make impactful contributions to society once I graduate. I am sincerely thankful to those who have made this opportunity possible, as it grants me the invaluable privilege of advancing my studies. Moreover, this scholarship embodies my steadfast commitment to my academic pursuits and my unwavering determination to reach my goals, while consistently challenging myself to grow and excel in all my endeavors.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose this college largely due to the enthusiastic recommendation of my sister, who is an alumna and had a transformative experience here. Her stories of personal growth and the supportive community played a pivotal role in my decision. One of the most appealing aspects of the college is its small staff size, which promises a more intimate learning environment. This setting allows for closer relationships with faculty members, fostering meaningful interactions and personalized guidance throughout my academic journey.
Initially, I declared a major in computer science, but as I delved deeper into the coursework, I realized it didn't resonate with my true interests and aspirations. After much reflection, I discovered my passion for web development. This new direction has ignited my enthusiasm, as I am particularly drawn to the intricacies of designing and creating user interfaces. My goal is to craft engaging and intuitive user experiences for websites and applications, making a lasting impact in the ever-evolving tech industry.
After graduation, I plan to…
I will work to actively seek a position in the fields of IT, UI or UX design, or web development, as I believe any of these roles would closely align with my existing skill set and preferred working style. My background in design and technology equips me with a strong foundation to contribute effectively in these areas.
I am particularly drawn to opportunities that not only challenge me creatively but also allow me to apply my technical knowledge to real-world problems. Securing a role in one of these domains would provide me with invaluable hands-on experience in the workforce, enhancing my understanding of user-centered design principles and development processes.
Additionally, I am eager to collaborate with diverse teams and engage in projects that drive innovation and create meaningful impact. I view this opportunity as a crucial stepping stone toward my professional growth, enabling me to work on more significant and influential projects in the future.
Harry Vu
School or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Computer Science
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: he/him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I am very thankful to have received this scholarship. This scholarship is very appreciated by not only by me, but also by my parents who have been helping me pay for tuition. With it we will be less worried about tuition for the next semester. These scholarships have helped me by allowing me to fully focus my time on college, developing my skills for the future and achieving my goals. Again, thank you for your kindness and generosity, the help that this scholarship has provided has meant a lot to me and my family.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose UP because I wanted to be in a smaller school with smaller classes. I thought it would be beneficial for me to have the option of more personal help from professors. I also chose it because my sister went to UP and recommended it to me. I chose my major because I wanted to become a video game developer/programmer and found that I could do that by getting a computer science degree. I also took the computer science courses that was offered at my high school and found them enjoyable, so I decided on it as my major.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduating from UP, I plan to use my computer science degree and apply it widely for a career in tech. I also hope to use the skills that I’ve learned at UP to help with side goals of mine like making video games and helping family and friends computer issues.
Deana Mendoza Rodriguez
Hometown: Canby, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Mathematics
Class standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: she/her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
I would first like to thank the donor for aiding me in my college journey! I truly appreciate it, and it is a tremendous amount of support. This scholarship means a lot to me because, in general, the financial factor was really important when choosing where to attend university, since my parents do not necessarily make a lot of income. So, continuing to receive aid from the university and its donors is a big help. A scholarship like this one also pushes me to work harder in my studies and motivates me to one day become the first graduate in my family! Thank you again!
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Willamette University because they helped a lot financially and also because of its proximity to home! I also went to Bearcat Day and really liked the school along with the professors, so on that day I made my choice to attend here! I am currently a Mathematics major; however, I also intend on declaring for Physics soon!
After graduation, I plan to…
I really hope to attend graduate school, but I am still unsure where. I aspire to work within the field of space research, so I would like to pursue either a master's or PhD in astronomy/astrophysics!