This picture is on a hike on Mt. Hood with my brother and sister a few summers ago. I enjoy anything outdoors and being with nature.
2022-23 PCC Structurals Scholarship Student Stories
- Austin Canchola, George Fox University
- Enrique Casas Cofradia, Pacific University
- Nicole Chan, Reed College
- Jaelene Diaz Chavez, Corban University
- Jazmin Hurtado Cortes, Willamette University
- Matelynn Ladd, Bushnell University
- Saumay Narayan, Linfield University
- Francisco Nguyen, University of Portland
- Joseph Roman, Warner Pacific University
- Emanuel Romero, Multnomah University
Austin Canchola
Hometown and State: Oregon City, OR
College or University Name: George Fox University
Major: Civil Engineering
Class Standing: Junior
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Any opportunity to receive a scholarship to help gain the education that I’m striving for is a blessing. I see a scholarship as someone believing in my abilities and investing in my career. Thank you for believing in me and helping in my college journey.
After graduation, I plan to…
After I graduate, I plan on working as an engineer and work my way up to a project manager for a construction company. The company I want to work at specializes in retaining walls and works in Oregon and Washington.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose George Fox University because of the faith-based learning and the opportunity to play football. My older brother went to GFU and, after seeing his experience, I knew it would be the place I would find my home.
Enrique Casas Cofradia
Hometown and State: Hillsboro, OR
College or University Name: Pacific University
Major: Physics
Minor: Computer Science and Mathematics
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: He/Him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship helps me to focus on my classes and senior project. I can dedicate more time to my classes and extracurricular activities like clubs. I want to give a special thank you to the donors of the PCC Structurals Scholarship. You are helping me to better myself and the individuals around me.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school. I want to gain more experience in computer science and pursue software engineering.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose to attend Pacific University because I wanted to have access to research opportunities. I also wanted smaller class sizes so I could get to know my professors and classmates better. I chose to major in physics because I have a strong math background. Physics is also a great foundation for engineering.
This is a photo that was taken by a close friend from college when we went on a group study trip to the Portland Art Museum to connect Frida Kahlo’s art to the Mexican Revolution.
Nicole Chan
Hometown and State: Beaverton, OR
College or University Name: Reed College
Major: Biology
Minor: Sociology
Class Standing: Sophomore
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 helped me and my family offload a financial burden to allow me to pursue school full-time and have these amazing experiences in college; shaping me into a person to help my community and give back in the future. Thank you.
After graduation, I plan to…
After I graduate, I plan to attend medical school so I can become a doctor to treat underserved populations. My ultimate goal is to give greater access to care and advocate for public health.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Reed due to its immense love of learning. When I saw my peers furthering their passions and the great amount of support from other students and professors, I knew it was the right place for me. I'm a biology major because I love understanding the micro perspective of how life works and the mechanisms that allow us to cohabit on this planet and do so many amazing things each day. 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.
Jaelene Diaz Chavez
Hometown and State: Gresham, OR
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 meaningful to me because it pushes me to work harder in school because PCC Structurals was very generous to provide me with financial help. It lightens the burden of paying for my education and I am forever grateful for this opportunity.
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to attend an accelerated nursing program and become a certified registered nurse. I would like to gain a year of experience working in the intensive care unit to better prepare for when I apply to a nurse anesthesia program, where I will learn to become a certified registered nurse of anesthesia.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Corban University because of the excellent science professors and the classroom size. I can work 1:1 with my professors and better understand difficult topics. The professors are always happy and available to help students and that is one reason why I chose this college. I chose biomedical sciences as my major because I want to pursue a career in healthcare, and I am fascinated with science.
Jazmin Hurtado Cortes
Hometown and State: Salem, OR
College or University Name: Willamette University
Major: Economics
Minor: English
Class Standing: Senior
Pronouns: She/Her/Ella
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
As a first-generation college student and Latina, there are many obstacles that come when pursuing higher education. I worked full time while studying to help lessen my parents' expenses during my first and second year at WU, and helped my younger siblings with their studies. Your support has allowed me to become engrained in the Willamette community and participate in what I am passionate about. I am currently the Co-President of Alianza, where we foster a community for our fellow Latinx, and fundraiser for our Diversity Scholarship that helps aid Latinx students in the pursuit of higher education. I'm also a CA where I teach class sessions to our first years. These opportunities have allowed me to create meaningful connections with others that I treasure dearly. Thank you for all your support!
Why did you choose your college and major?
Willamette University is a small school that fosters connection with your professors and the community around you. Majoring in economics allows me an insight into the interlacing forces that make our world function. Also, it allows me to view how I fit within the system and how I can influence change to help underrepresented communities.
After graduation, I plan to…
work for non-profit organizations and attend grad school centering on public policy.
Matelynn Ladd
Hometown and State: Cottage Grove, OR
College or University Name: Bushnell University
Major: Business
Class Standing: Sophomore
Pronouns: She/Her
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
Education is important to me. I am very serious about my studies and furthering my education and with this scholarship I can fulfill that dream. Thank you for choosing me for this scholarship!
After graduation, I plan to…
Work in a place where I can fulfill my business degree and have a hands-on job.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose my college and major because I want to be in the business world after graduating. Bushnell has a great Business program and gave me a volleyball scholarship to play at the collegiate level.
I am excited to start my senior year. I like surfing, going to the gym, and hanging out with friends.
Saumay Narayan
Hometown and State: McMinnville, OR
College or University Name: Linfield University
Major: Computer Science
Minors: Math, Data Science
Class Standing: Senior
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship helps me pay for college. As I have to start saving up for graduate school, I appreciate you giving me a head start. Thank you for giving me a scholarship for my sophomore year, as well. This helps me so much. 🙂
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Linfield University because my parents live in McMinnville and they wanted me to stay close. I chose computer science as my major because the industry is going to double in ten years, and everything needs technology.
After graduation, I plan to…
apply for graduate school at Oregon State University and earn a master’s in computer science.
Francisco Nguyen
Hometown and State: Hillsboro, OR
College or University Name: University of Portland
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Math
Class Standing: Senior
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
The huge financial stress and burden of college is always lingering at the back of my mind. I'm not the only one in my family going to college, so my parents are supporting more than just me. I am thankful for the help to ease some of my worries, as well as lift some of the burden off my parents' shoulders. Thank you very much for this scholarship.
After graduation, I plan to…
Enter the workforce in the field of data science or other related position.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose the University of Portland for its great computer science program and its small class sizes, which allows me to get to know my professors. There is also the cumulation of smaller factors such as its proximity and its Catholic beliefs. My choice of computer science comes from an early interest in engineering.
Joseph Roman
Hometown and State: Beaverton, OR
College or University Name: Warner Pacific University
Major: Finance
Minor: Accounting
Class Standing: Junior
Pronouns: He/Him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
It has made college so much more accessible for me. Without this scholarship, I wouldn't be able to earn a higher education.
After graduation, I plan to…
work at an accounting firm or something that has to do with finance. After working there for 2-4 years, I will venture off and open my own business.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I choose Warner Pacific for soccer. I ended up loving the university and enjoyed the small class sizes and forming personal relationships with professors. I chose to study finance and accounting because I've always enjoyed business and didn't mind the technical parts of it.
Emanuel Romero
Home State: Oregon
College or University Name: Multnomah University
Major: Business
Class Standing: Freshman
Pronouns: He/Him
Why was this scholarship meaningful to you?
This scholarship was super meaningful to me and my family because tuition is costly and finding money to cover the expenses is very tough. So, this is very much appreciated from me and my family, thank you so much!
After graduation, I plan to…
After graduation, I plan to play professional basketball and, after, build a business.
Why did you choose your college and major?
I chose Multnomah University to continue to play basketball and I chose my major of business because I want to one day own a business.