Extracurricular Activities
Community peer support, advocating for troubled youth struggling within the justice system, community clean up, Tutoring adolescents
A Little Bit About Me
I was raised in Klamath Falls (originally from Chiloquin) with four brothers by a single father. I did well in high school, but never thought college was for me because of the cost. I worked multiple jobs within our community, had a few children, and fell into an extremely abusive relationship for eight years. My children and I escaped, and I did not want my children to think that trauma had to define us; I enrolled at Klamath Community College. I have struggled with PTSD, anxiety, and depression, as well as being a first-generation, non-traditional student (enrolling in college 16 years after high school). I graduated in June 2022 with an associate's degree in psychology and pathway certificates in criminal justice, addiction studies, and emergency response and operations. During my last term at KCC, my oldest daughter (a junior in high school at the time), enrolled in KCC as a dual credit student and we had a course together, one of my proudest moments.
Why I Chose Oregon Tech and My Major
I originally chose criminal justice but have always loved psychology. I switched my degree to psychology and have certificates in criminal justice, addiction studies, and emergency response and operations. The mind and behaviors interest me, and I enjoy working with people.
My Influential Professors
Dr. Li is great! I enjoyed the conversation in and out of class, she was informational and made the course fun. Dr. Huntoon and Dr. Peterson are great; both are helpful and informative. Of course, Claire Peterson and Charlotte Waite, are always cheerful and helpful.
My Greatest Learning Experience At Oregon Tech
My most significant learning experience has been to be open-minded to different courses, not just those within your degree. I have found that the courses I dreaded were actually fun and I learned how they incorporated into my degree.
My Plans After Graduation
My plans after graduation are to work with adults and adolescents struggling with mental health within the justice system to make changes and live a better quality of life.