WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 I plan to graduate in 2020 00:00:02.000 --> 00:00:05.000 with my master's in rehabilitation counseling, 00:00:05.000 --> 00:00:07.000 secondary education integrated science, 00:00:07.000 --> 00:00:09.000 biology and pre-professional focus. 00:00:09.000 --> 00:00:11.000 My major is sustainability. 00:00:11.000 --> 00:00:13.000 And I am a mathematics major. 00:00:13.000 --> 00:00:15.000 music 00:00:15.000 --> 00:00:20.000 I'm the youngest of six kids and paying for college 00:00:20.000 --> 00:00:23.000 isn't something that my family can do out of pocket. 00:00:23.000 --> 00:00:27.000 So I came for an island called Palau which is in Micronesia. 00:00:27.000 --> 00:00:33.000 It was a struggle at first as a freshman to sophomore to now like my fourth year here. 00:00:33.000 --> 00:00:36.000 The scholarship has helped pay for my tuition 00:00:36.000 --> 00:00:40.000 as well as some of the books and classes I have to pay for. 00:00:40.000 --> 00:00:43.000 So more than anything, it's given me an opportunity. 00:00:43.000 --> 00:00:48.000 It has went towards all of my school expenses and it allowed me 00:00:48.000 --> 00:00:52.000 to live on campus and participate with friends and activities and stuff. 00:00:52.000 --> 00:00:56.000 Very meaningful that after my first year here people 00:00:56.000 --> 00:00:60.000 in the community would believe in me and that were willing to invest. 00:01:00.000 --> 00:01:05.000 It's nice to have someone that not only care about the institution's well being but also mine. 00:01:05.000 --> 00:01:09.000 It's phenomenal to me that people donate to help us. 00:01:09.000 --> 00:01:13.000 music 00:01:13.000 --> 00:01:16.000 music 00:01:16.000 --> 00:01:20.000 Giving Day is such an important day for Western Oregon University and its students. 00:01:20.000 --> 00:01:23.000 Every year we are overwhelmed and grateful for the support we get on this one day. 00:01:23.000 --> 00:01:28.000 My wife Susan and I invite you to join us in starting that tradition in your own home. 00:01:28.000 --> 00:01:31.000 Please be sure to mark March 5th on your calendars. 00:01:31.000 --> 00:01:34.000 We look forward to hearing from you.