Kris Lewis Memorial Scholarship

In being raised in my community, I have found that it is a factor in making me who I am today and in setting the goals that I have for my future. Being in a tight-knit school and community setting has emphasized being a part of a network of people where connection, a sense of responsibility, and working towards helping other people in these communities can be emphasized. Ever since I was a child, it had always been instilled in me to become involved and to make a meaningful contribution. I have been afforded the chance to be involved in many activities, which have influenced my future plans. Being a three-sport athlete, band participant, student council rep, big sister, and part-time employee has given me experience in juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously. While being involved in all these activities, I have received support from teachers, coaches, and friends, which has motivated me to prioritize and remain self-disciplined despite an overwhelming schedule. Through this, I have learned many important life lessons, including time management, teamwork, and perseverance, which will all prove invaluable in pursuing a career in cosmetology school and furthering a degree in hospitality. Having known that my community believes in me, I am able to dream big. Leadership is a lesson I have considered one of the most important ones in which my community has been a great teacher for me. Student government, leadership positions, and other roles have taught me the significance of listening to people and making them part of a collective goal where each individual feels they matter. Often, this meant being part of an event or activity setup, being a voice for other people in a matter where they would need an advocate in leadership positions. The significance of this influence in leadership roles will make me want to have a managerial role in a spa or perhaps establish a salon where people can come and make them feel valued through creating a space where they can make them confident and valued. Additionally, I am grateful for the support of my community in facilitating my passion for hair and creative pursuits. Even from a young age, playing salon in recess and braiding hair, I have always felt accepted and encouraged to be me and to follow my passion. Having a community where creativity and individuality were not only accepted but valued makes it possible for my passion to grow into a feasible career path. Going to cosmetology school and later getting a bachelor’s degree in hospitality shows the blend of following a passion and a need for a secure future. In summary, the community in which I grew up influenced my personal values, work ethics, and aspirations in a manner in which I learned the significance of leadership, service, and resilience, in addition to understanding that achieving success is achievable through commitment and assistance. As such, these principles will continue to direct me in achieving not only personal but professional ambitions in an attempt to construct a professional life in which I am able to help others make a positive impact.

As a member of a small rural timber-based community, I have realized the value education holds and I know that my life will not amount to what I hope if I do not further my education after high school. The average high school graduate in my community moves on to work at one of the many mills in the area or stumbles their way into a job with a logging company. With the recent decline in timber prices, these jobs are still easily obtainable but they do not come with the benefits I see in my future. My hopes for my future are much greater than what my current community can provide. I am not saying that I will not end up remaining in my current community, since that is where my roots are, but I have discovered that to be the best version of myself I must venture out of my small town and gain a higher education. Financial security is huge to me because I grew up with young parents and did not always have certainty with money. Having said that, young parents did not mean that I had no money or that I was not provided the necessities, it just meant that sometimes the bills were paid late so that my school supplies and clothes could be bought. This is why, in the future, I plan to enhance my education at Oregon State University and major in animal science. I plan to attend for four years to complete my associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Once I have completed my master's degree, I plan to enter their veterinary program to become a large animal veterinarian after college. My plans for education and career come from my love of animals and my drive to help them. The reason I would like to become a large animal veterinarian is because I am passionate about larger animals, like cows and horses, more than smaller animals, like dogs and cats. I have always had a love for horses, especially after my grandfather purchased my first, and so far only, horse for me when I was a child, which will help me stay on track to becoming what I have always dreamed of. My motivation to achieve these plans stems from my determined attitude and resilience. I will strive to give large animals the best chance they have at being healthy and making their owners happy. I also enjoy the idea of being my own boss, which is why I decided that I would enjoy being a veterinarian rather than a vet tech and having financial stability.