Age: 22
Year: Senior
Major: Spanish
Dream job: Being an interpreter for the government or for low-income communities

Myka has worked hard as a first generation college student, and is a recipient of the Diversity Excellence Scholarship.

Why are you at the UO?  

I am a first generation college student, who dreamt of having a formal, university education, but that was solely dependent on whether or not I received a scholarship. The University of Oregon offered me a scholarship that was larger than my other offers. Plus, I am only an hour from my family and I love the Spanish program here.

How do you want to change the world?

By helping in any way that I can. I am a very giving person, and have been my entire life … Whether I am interpreting for those who need the assistance, volunteering in the Peace Corps or Teach for America, starting my own non-profit, or working in the courtroom as an interpreter, I will be happy — as long as I know I am making someone else’s life better.

What are you proud to have been a part of at the UO?  

I am proud to have been selected to receive the Diversity Excellence Scholarship, because without it, I would not be studying here today, or graduating from the UO this year. This scholarship has allowed me an education … and a future I would not have had if I remained in Roseburg, working.

What are some of your goals after you earn your degree?

I will be moving to Portland in August and transferring to (the local) Macy’s. While I live and work in Portland, I hope to both save enough money in order to pay off one of my loans, so that I can try to join the Peace Corps. Otherwise, Teach for America would be amazing, too. I have also applied to work for “Passport to Languages” and I am still awaiting a response.