5/25/17 Emerald Media - 2017 | 25 Ducks Edition

WHAT IS 25 DUCKS? With over 23,000 students at the University of Oregon, multiple students have been selected by their peers, professors and University of Oregon staff for the opportunity to win the prize of being a 25 Duck. The award is bestowed upon individuals who show impressive leadership, innovation and passion, and after a month-long nomination period, a panel of students and professionals from the Alumni Center and the Emerald Media Group selected 25 students to represent this year’s winners.

The 25 diverse students come from all around the world, from Chile to Chicago. With varying major focuses and extracurricular involvement, these outstanding Ducks are affecting amazing change throughout the campus. They are some of the most driven and enthusiastic individuals within their programs and workplaces, and serve as an inspiration to all those around them.

The University of Oregon fosters a community of passionate, hardworking students – and the Emerald Media Group is honored to have the opportunity to recognize these individuals. This year’s honorees feature students with backgrounds ranging from jazz composition to environmental law to encouraging better support for LGBTQ+ individuals.

The University is truly benefiting every day from the actions of these talented Ducks, and the passion of the following students is sure to benefit their future communities as well. Inside are the stories of 25 thoughtful, altruistic and ambitious students whom we are thrilled to welcome to the 25 Ducks family.

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Sofia Alvarez-Castro Sima Anekonda Santiago, Chile and Portland, Oregon

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Year: Senior Major: Planning, Public Policy and Management Dream Job: City Planner (in a big one)

Year: Junior Major: Planning, Public Policy, and Management Dream Job: Policymaker

Why are you attending UO? I got a pretty good scholarship to come here. It’s close to home, and I needed to diversify a little more.

Why are you attending UO? I chose to attend the UO because of how active the campus is. Students are regularly engaging with political and social issues at all levels of the community and I enjoy being a part of this activism.

How/why do you want to change the world?

Why wouldn’t you? I always think how awesome it would be if everyone had a job that was socially responsible. We all could make a change in the world, and if we all did one little thing, one little act of change, it could make a big difference.

What has been the best part of your college experience?

Meeting people. I’ve met some great people who are very interesting and come from different backgrounds.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’ve been working at the Holden Center for Leadership and Communication for three years. For the past two years, I’ve been working as a Days of Service codirector. I get to work with a lot of nonprofits in Lane county. I interned with Central Latina-Americano for about six months, doing some immigration work. It was amazing.

What are some of your goals after college?

I’m going to grad school starting in the fall, and I’m getting my masters in Urban and Regional Planning.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer?

I would say for the past four years of college, Chris Ruiz de Esparza and Corinne Bauman, who both work at the Holden Center, have been my biggest inspirations. I’ve done a lot of leadership development and civic engagement work with them.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Yzma from Kronk’s New Groove! She has a fun, kind of crazy personality that is different. I wouldn’t identify with the evil side of her, but I think would say she matches my sense of humor.

What is one fun fact about you?

I’m almost fluent in Farsi, and I’m allergic to showering with hot water.

How/why do you want to change the world? I would like to have the opportunity to create policies that are more reflective of the community and adequately represent the needs of marginalized populations.

I think doing so would create a more inclusive and progressive society.

What has been the best part of your college experience? While I cannot think of one thing in particular, I would say my favorite part of college is being surrounded by people who share my interests.

Meeting individuals who are really passionate about the environment, gender equality, or sexual violence prevention has really inspired what I want to do with my life.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am really proud to work with the Organization Against Sexual Assault. When I first joined this organization, I was so new to the social justice movement and was nervous about working with such an esteemed group of students. However, my colleagues were not only welcoming, but also expanded my views of intersectionality and survivor centered work.

What are some of your goals after college?

Immediately after college, I would like to gain experience in community organization and participate in the local government. From there, I would like to continue my education in graduate school, focusing specifically on public policy or public health (I haven’t decided yet).

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My dad has been a major influence in my life. His constant support and dedication to my education has made me the hard working and passionate individual I am today. While we often butt-heads over my future plans, I know that he’ll always have my back.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I think I’m a lot like Bob from Bob’s Burgers because he works hard, but also has a bit of a wild side.

What is one fun fact about you? I first learned to drive using a giant green minivan that has pictures of shelves and kitchen appliances plastered all over it. It’s my dad’s company car and it really turns heads when it’s being driven.

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Lexi Bergeron

Jupiter Breuner

Kaulana Dilliner

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Seattle, Washington

Honolulu, Hawaii

Year: Junior Major: Psychology Dream Job: Working within the Department of Justice How/why do you want to change the world? There are many things I hope to change about the world.

Primarily all of these changes revolve around building better support and protections for LGBTQIA+ individuals. As a transgender woman I have faced a large amount of violence due to my identity so I want to work towards ensuring future generations do not experience the pain I have felt.

What has been the best part of your college experience? The best part of my college experience has been witnessing the impact I have had on my residents. For the past two years I have been a Resident Assistant for University Housing where I have had the opportunity to serve as a mentor for hundreds of LGBT first year students. And it has been through this role and a particular conversation with of my residents that I learned just how much of a positive impact I left on students in this and role.

This experience as RA with all of the long nights, 4 a.m. wake-up calls, and difficult interactions has taught me so much. Whenever I talk about my college experience to friends and family outside Eugene the first thing I always touch on is my experience as an RA on this campus.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I have been immensely proud to become a member of the Fraternity and Sorority Life community this past year. Here I have become one of the first transgender women accepted into a sorority at University of Oregon. My experience has been amazing so far and I have developed so many close relationships with all my sisters. I have also had the opportunity with this to be able to give back through beginning conversations on LGBT membership.

What are some of your goals after college? After college I hope to enter into the Department of Justice at some level and begin developing further protections for the LGBTQIA+ community. I enjoy working internally within large systems or organizations to create social change and the department of Justice interests me so I feel like it will be a good change of pace.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My biggest role model is definitely my sorority big. She is truly a exceptional woman and I could not have done any of my work on campus this year without her.

With her its the littlest actions that make the biggest difference to me. She graduates this June and I am not sure what I will do without her.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Two words: Kim Possible.

What is one fun fact about you? Winter term I spent more time in planes and airports than I did in classrooms.

Year: Sophomore Major: Psychology Dream Job: Psychology Researcher for children’s implicit biases and how racism and sexism are implicit

Year: Sophomore Majors: Political Science and Media Studies Minors: Writing, Public Speaking, Critical Reasoning Dream Job: Copyright and Contract Lawyer in the Entertainment Industry and the Tech Industry.

Why are you attending UO? My brother went to school here so I already had a social network kind of built in because of him. It’s also a nice buffer zone between me and the parents, but still close enough for me to easily go home. I also love being in the honors college - It’s great.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am proud of my involvement in Fraternity & Sorority Life. Previously, I was Philanthropy Chair for my Fraternity, Alpha Tau Omega, to being Secretary currently. I am also a Representative for my Chapter in Junior Greek Council and Recruitment Counselor for the Interfraternity Council. I am also proud of my involvement in Residence Life. I am currently a Resident Assistant and will continue to be one next year. I am also proud to be chosen as Philanthropy Chair for the Pacific Affiliate College & University Residence Hall Conference that is coming up this Fall. I am also proud of my involvement in multiple advisory boards for the school, including the Dean of Students Board, Career Center Board, and Student Recreation Center Board. Last but not least, I am proud of my involvement in Teach for America as a Campus Recruiter.

How/why do you want to change the world? I want to shed light on how society, on a psychological level, primes people to be inherently judgemental. I think it is important to recognize our biases and how our lived experiences inform who we are. We can fight that, but only if we recognize it.

What has been the best part of your college experience? My favorite part has been meeting people from all over the country.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’m involved with sexual violence prevention on campus, I worked on the Hillary campaign, I’m in a fraternity, and I am a counselor at Camp Kesem.

What are some of your goals after college? I would really like to get my PhD in psychology to do my own research.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My music director Joe Crnko and my older brother have both been huge influences in my life.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

People tell me I’m like Chandler Bing. I don’t know if that’s true, but I’ll take it.

What is one fun fact about you? I was a 1st tenor in this singing group in Seattle called Vocal Point. We’ve been featured on tons of movie soundtracks and things like that. It was one of the best experiences of my life, being in that group.

What are some of your goals after college? My shortterm goal is to go to Law School and Business School after college and receive a JD/ MBA dual-degree.

Then I hope to go and work for a law firm down in California. Then in ten years after that, go and work as a General Counsel for a mass media company or a tech company. My long-term goal is to become a trustee for my high school alma mater, Kamehameha Schools, and a trustee for my elementary/middle school, Island Pacific Academy, as well as a trustee for the University of Oregon (hopefully the board is reading this). My long-long-term goal is to start a foundation and give back to the Native Hawaiian people and pave a path for Native Hawaiians to succeed in all areas of life.

Who ís your biggest role model/influencer? I cannot choose one, so my biggest role models would have to be five people: God, my parents, Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop, and my middle school math teacher, Michael David. God has given me faith to believe in myself that my dreams are possible. My parents have given me the motivation to make those dreams a possibility. Princess Bernice Pauahi Bishop opened up doors to make my dreams possible. And Michael David made my dreams go from a possibility to a reality. Without these five people, I would not be in the position I am in today and I thank them everyday for all that they have done for me.

What is one fun fact about you? I am a direct descendant of the House of Kamehameha, which was one of only two Royal Families that existed when Hawaii was a Monarchy in the 19th century, which means that if Hawaii was still a Monarchy today, then I would most likely be Prince today.

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Amanda Fossati

Tony Glausi

Quinn Haaga

Anthem, Arizona

West Linn, Oregon

San Carlos, California

Year: Junior Major: Political Science and Romance Languages Minor: Legal Studies Dream Job: To work for the FBI.

Year: Second Year Master’s Major: Jazz Studies - Composition Dream Job: Internationally touring/recording artist playing my own original music.

Why are you attending UO? I had the opportunity to be a part of the Cheerleading Team here at the University and I wanted to make a difference by being a role model in the community while also getting an amazing education.

Why are you attending UO? I got a full-ride scholarship for undergraduate studies and a graduate teaching fellowship for graduate studies!

How/why do you want to change the world? I think there’s a lot to be done and we’ve only touched the surface. Our world needs leaders and people whom others feel they can count on to make it a better place.

I want to make this one life better for everyone.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Getting to cheer at all the sporting events that the University has to offer.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’m proud to say that I’m a tutor at the John E. Jaqua Center for Student Athletes. I think I can make a great impact on my fellow students and I’m very blessed to have this job.

What are some of your goals after college? I plan on attending law school directly after I graduate and graduate in 3 years. I also hope to become a JAG in the Air Force and then go into the FBI to serve my country further.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My biggest role model is my dad. He’s been through the toughest of times and has never let us see his weaknesses. He is loving and supportive, and could not possibly be a better father than he is to me and my brother. I’m beyond blessed to have that kind of man as a role model and a father.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Gossip Girl’s Blair Waldorf (in the best sense). She works hard and gets what she wants against all odds and I aspire to have those same traits.

What is one fun fact about you?

One fun fact about me is that my room is always a mess. I don’t know if I’d consider it fun, but it’s a fact!

How/why do you want to change the world? People turn to music to solve problems. I want to be someone who makes inspiring music that helps people come together in times of both happiness and sadness.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Touring Europe with the school’s big band.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? Tons and tons of music groups.

What are some of your goals after college? Move to New York and someday have kids and teach them to play music. Maybe win a Grammy?!

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? Wynton Marsalis.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? Nick Caraway from The Great Gatsby.

What is one fun fact about you? I come from a big family: five siblings, 25 aunts/uncles and 45 first cousins.

Year: Senior Major: Planning, Public Policy and Management Dream Job: I would love to be the General Manager for the SF Giants. But a more “realistic” dream job would be being the head of the EPA. How/why do you want to change the world? There are so many things I want to change about the world but one really important thing I want to work on is getting more young people and folks from marginalized communities into office on all levels.

Our country has been male, pale and stale for awhile and I believe that by pumping fresh blood into the system we will see a lot of incredible and necessary change. I want to support this initiative in any way possible.

What has been the best part of your college experience? I would say the best part of my college experience has been being in the ASUO. It has been one of the most formative and inspiring experiences for me. I have met the most amazing individuals and have had some of the most incredible experiences. I wouldn’t trade it for the world!

What are some of your goals after college? This is very cliché, but I really want to travel. I am planning on going to Southeast Asia to travel/volunteer. I would also love to hike the Pacific Coast Trail and Half Dome in Yosemite. Hopefully in a few months I will find a job. I would love to work for a nonprofit or government agency and then in a few years hopefully get my masters. I am really interested in the intersection of public health and climate change so I am hoping to find a job/masters program related to that.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? I have a lot of public figure role models but as the oldest child sometimes I struggled to find an immediate role model. My older cousin, Larisa, is definitely a huge role model for me. She has overcome so much in her life but still handles every situation with grace and poise.

She recently decided to completely change her career path and go into clinical psychology/social work. Her tenacity and dedication is a huge inspiration because it reminds me that you’re never “stuck” in life and you can always make a change to improve yourself/others.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I would have to say Liz Lemon because she is a gogetter, a little bit awkward, a feminist, very sarcastic and has perfected the eye-roll. I also love Alec Baldwin and would welcome any opportunity to be his fictional best friend.

What is one fun fact about you? I have visited the Galapagos islands and saw the giant tortoises! I love unique animals so this was really cool for me. The Galapagos are one of the most biologically diverse places in the world and seeing it in person made me even more passionate about environmental conservation.

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Tia Hatton

Elirissa Hui

Amanda Jarvis

Bend, Oregon

Portland, Oregon

Claremont, California

Year: Sophomore Major: Environmental Studies Dream Job: Either environmental law or leading backpacking trips. One would allow me to make fight and protect the outdoors, and the other would allow me to share the adventure and beauty of the outdoors.

How/why do you want to change the world? There are so many ways I think the world needs to changebut one of the big issues that encompasses human rights injustices and environmental issues is climate change. Becoming an environmental lawyer would allow me to fight for those affected by environmental injustices, while protecting and conserving natural resources and ecosystems.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Personally, small moments, like going for runs on Pre’s Trail as the sunsets. On a larger scale, seeing others fighting for theirs and others is rights through protests, daily resistance, letter writing and more- is an inspiring and encouraging experience here at the UO. What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am proud of my job as a peer academic advisor in the Environmental Studies program. I get to work and assist exceptional students and faculty. It’s also humbled me because working while being a student is difficult at times, but it’s been a gift to be a part of such a special, unique program here on campus.

What are some of your goals after college?

As mentioned before, I will be looking into environmental Masters or law programs. I plan on staying in the PNW, and would like to explore its corners by backpacking or trail running. I also will stay involved in environmental justice issues and stay active in resistance against decisions akin to our current presidential administration’s actions.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? Two women, Julia Olsen and Mary Wood. Julia is the founder of the nonprofit Our Children’s Trust and head attorney for the federal lawsuit against the federal government over climate change. She is dedicating her life’s work to elevating youth voices, including mine, against people denying the science behind climate change impacts on youth and future generations -- like Trump. Professor Mary Wood teaches at the UO law school. Her work on Atmospheric Trust litigation has been a large basis of the lawsuit. Both these women are environmental warriors, intelligent and well spoken, and at the end of the day, guided by huge hearts for people.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

I honestly don’t know - I’m creating my own character!

What is one fun fact about you? I have seen a bear every time I go backpacking.

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Year: Senior Major: Family and Human Services Dream Job: I really want to work with college students, specifically underrepresented college students. Any career that gives me that would be great.

Why are you attending UO? It’s close to home, and I knew that there was a wushu club here, which is Chinese martial arts. I’ve been participating in wushu since I was in middle school. It’s really rare for a school in Oregon to offer that.

How/why do you want to change the world? I really want to work with younger generations, and inspire and motivate them to make change that can benefit the community. There’s just so much going on. I think, as a person of color on campus, I’ve learned a lot about what it means to be Asian American. I want to inspire others to learn more about themselves and use that to their advantage. Being a person of color, we often see that as a weakness, but we can find strength in the things that are perceived to be weaknesses.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Having a community on campus that I feel like I belong in. One of the groups is APASU, the Asian and Pacific American Student Union. That has been one of the best experiences here, just being able to share similar experiences. There’s so much diversity within the group, and it’s really inspiring to learn from my peers.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? APASU, wushu, and the Center for Multicultural Academic Excellence.

What are some of your goals after college? I’m planning to go to OSU for graduate school, and I really want to go back to Asia to visit my family there.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? I think the community in APASU has kept me going the last four years. They’ve always supported me and everything I do. Also, I would say, David To. He was my academic advisor and the Asian and Pacific Islander retention specialist in the CMAE. He showed me what the field of student affairs was, and that’s how I got into it. He continuously pushed me during the last few years of my time here.

What fictional character is most like you? Snorlax from Pokemon. I really love to eat and sleep.

What is one fun fact about you? My parents were going to name me Rainbow, but they decided that that would be too embarrassing.

Year: Sophomore Majors: Planning, Public Policy and Management and Educational Foundations Minors: Special Education, Food Studies, Nonprofit Management Dream Job: I actually want to open my own elementary charter school that is a Waldorf-inspired charter school with a special education program.

Why are you attending UO? I mainly chose UO for the education program. I had heard amazing things about the program and professors. There are incredibly smart people working there.

How/why do you want to change the world? I really want to change the way we look at education. I think that we are really focused on fundamentals and we forget to inspire students and that’s a real crime to the students. And why? Well, why not? Who else is going to do it?

What has been the best part of your college experience? Just meeting people who are incredibly passionate about they are doing. You talk to people in random classes or even at Starbucks and you meet people who are here for incredible reasons and that’s really inspiring. Plus, the trees. It’s such a beautiful campus.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? Being involved with the education department.

It’s really an incredible group of people and I can’t rant and rave enough about all the amazing people I’ve been able to meet and work with.

What are some of your goals after college? After college, I’d like to go to grad school and I’d like to work for an education-based nonprofit, specifically one that works with changing the education system within the United States and the way we approach early childhood development and learning.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My mom because she teaches for a Head Start Program.

I got to see her work with all these kids and watch kids interact with her and light up when they learn something, and I think that’s really inspiring. She has always encouraged me to follow whatever it is I’m passionate about, and it just so happens to be the same thing she is passionate about!

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

(Roald Dahl’s) Matilda because I’ve always really resonated with her. She’s super passionate and she does anything that she can do to reach her goals and do what she thinks is right.

What is one fun fact about you? When I was little I was a child actor on PBS shows. I was on “Reading Rainbow” and “A Children’s Place.”

Brianna Kendrick

Katie Lor

Rachel Mallinga

Salem, Oregon

Boring, Oregon

Chicago, Illinois

Year: Sophomore Major: Anthropology and Geography Dream Job: My dream job is to be a an archaeology professor in an archaeology field school. I love teaching. It would also be cool to be the director of the Museum of Natural and Cultural History - I think it would be so much fun.

Why are you attending UO? I chose this school because the archaeology program is really good, and Pathway Oregon made it possible for me to go here.

How/why do you want to change the world? I want to make archaeology and the sciences more accessible to people, and create more public involvement in those fields. Training the next generation of archaeologists would be really cool.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Definitely going to field school last summer. The University of Oregon has an archaeological field school in Oregon. It was the coolest experience of my life. We had really good training to become better archaeologists- a lot of attention to detail and site formation methods. It completely jump-started my career, and since then I have been to two conferences and received a research grant.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I work as an exhibit all interpreter at the Museum of Natural and Cultural History. I talk to the general public, and I get to answer any questions that they have. It’s really cool seeing young kids that are interested in science. It’s really interactive and family-friendly, so it’s an awesome environment to be in.

What are some of your goals after college?

I definitely want to go to graduate school.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? I know that everyone says this, but it’s my mom. She completed her undergraduate degree and went to law school all while raising four kids on her own. She doesn’t let anything get in her way, and if she has a goal, she goes for it.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? A mix between Leslie Knope and April Ludgate from Parks and Rec. What is one fun fact about you?

I grew up in Texas and had horses, and people don’t expect that. Also, as an archaeologist, I study poop.

Year: Junior Major: Planning, Public Policy and Management Dream Job: Working for the CDC How/why do you want to change the world? My passion for public health and health policy is tied to my family’s health background. I experienced first-hand with my grandparents how the lack of affordable healthcare coverage can hurt families and witnessed how socioeconomic factors affect a community’s health. My grandparents’ poor health can be traced to harrowing experiences from the genocide of the Hmong during and after the Vietnam War. My inherited traumas and tragedies is affiliated with the discourse of ethnic minorities and I desire to bring these issues to the forefront through advocacy, policy change, and policy implementation in order to prevent others from going through what my family did.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am the President of the PPPM Student Community Organization, a FIG Assistant, the Career Education Team Manager and Career Peer Educator for the Lundquist Career Services, and a member in the Southeast Asian Student Alliance, Women of Color Coalition, and the Asian Desi Pacific Islander Alliance.

What are some of your goals after college? After I graduate, I plan to travel to Laos and apply my knowledge and experience to help the Hmong community with public and environmental health issues. I also plan on going to graduate school, and maybe even pursuing a doctorate.

Year: Graduate Student Major: Nonprofit Management Dream Job: I would love to work for a foundation that supports social justice and grassroots organizations, especially those that lack 501 status like Sankofa Collective NW or Assata’s Daughters in Chicago.

Organizations/groups like these do amazing work and provide great programs that make a great impact on society, but deal with barriers that prevent them from applying for 501 status.

Why are you attending UO? I worked in the culinary industry for 5 years before I began my program.

Through my experience in the culinary industry I learned how cooks and farm workers (especially immigrants) are exploited and work in unsafe environments. I wanted to advocate for people in the culinary and farmworker community, hence I entered graduate school for Nonprofit Management.

How/why do you want to change the world? That is a difficult question because there is much I would like to change. For example, I would like to get rid of economic inequality and xenophobia. A good start would be to make sure that farm and food service workers are fairly compensated.

What has been the best part of your college experience? The friendships and relationships I have with fellow UO students have been the best part of my experience. Moving here from Chicago was a culture shock. Although Oregon is very beautiful, on campus and in Eugene I had to endure racial and gender intolerance.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My father is my biggest influence; he is the reason for my strong commitment to education. He came to the United States at the age of eleven as a refugee with no education. Despite this, my father desperately wanted to succeed. But with the responsibility of taking care of his handicapped mom, my father dropped out of college after two years and gave up his dream of becoming a math teacher. Instead, he got married and supported my mother with her education by working full-time at a warehouse. And now, after working at the same place for almost thirty years, all my father wants is for my siblings and I to have a better life than the one he has lived. My father’s sacrifices pushes me to excel in academics and reminds me that education is a privilege and should never be taken for granted.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Katniss from The Hunger Games. We are both independent, responsible, and would do pretty much anything to help our family.

What is one fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is English is my second language, and my native tongue is Hmong. When I entered elementary school, I had to enroll into an English class. The little English I knew, I learned from Elmo.

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Elizabeth Mannering

Michael McIntosh

Osiel Mendoza

Rio Linda, California

Hillsboro, Oregon

Martinez, California

Year: Senior Major: Human Physiology Dream Job: MLS or MLB Head Athletic Trainer How/why do you want to change the world? I want to change the professional athletic world because as ridiculous as it is, women in head/key positions are still stigmatized in male predominant sports. Women like Alyssa Alpert, former Head A.T. for the MLS New York City Cosmos, and Sue Falsone, former Head A.T. for the MLB Los Angeles Dodgers (Go Giants), have paved the way for women to rise into powerful positions. Athletic training is now a majority female; however, it is incredibly rare to find a woman in the position as the head athletic trainer in professional sports. This is what I want to change. My gender does not determine my strength of knowledge or my ability to perform as a health professional. I have had a passion for this career since my sophomore year of high school and I refuse to modify my dreams due to societal standards. I want to rise up to this challenge and follow in the footsteps of the incredible women before me in order to serve professional athletes and help them along their journey.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am so proud to have been involved with Ducks After Dark at Oregon! I started out going to the program as a freshman and just enjoying the event and atmosphere D.A.D. supplied. Now as the Chair I can be the one that provides a safe, fun and inclusive environment for other students. In my 3 years with the program I have seen it grow exponentially that is really something incredible. It has been a long journey from PLC 180 to the EMU Redwood Auditorium and it has been one educational, exciting and fulfilling ride.

What are some of your goals after college? My primary goal is to complete my master’s degree in athletic training from Pacific University. Other goals include: focus on bettering myself as a person, become increasingly more proficient in my career field, procure an internship in the professional sports world, and use my skills and resources to impact the communities around me.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My two biggest influences throughout my life have been my two older brothers. My oldest brother Brad pushes me to be the best that I can be. He sets high standards for himself and those around him which I am always striving to reach. My second older brother Mitch has been one of my biggest support systems throughout my entire life. He reminds me to take care of myself and knows exactly what to say when I am stressed.

They have both been huge contributors to helping me become the woman I am today.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I am a solid mix of Mabel Pines from Gravity Falls and Linda Belcher from Bob’s Burgers.

What is one fun fact about you? I want to name my future hedgehog Pickle or Scout!!

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Year: Senior Majors: Economics and Political Science Dream Job: Consultant for responsible urban redevelopment Why are you attending UO? I wasn’t planning on going to college, but one of my high school classes had us fill out the Common App and I thought I might as well submit it. One thing led to another, and here we are.

How/why do you want to change the world? One step at a time.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Playing IM basketball with the Love Gloves was pretty fun.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? It’s not University affiliated, but volunteering with FOOD For Lane County for the past few years has been incredibly rewarding. Plug: we need more volunteers so hit me up if you’re interested.

What are some of your goals after college? In the Fall I’m going to graduate school to pursue my Master’s degree. Once I finish that, hopefully I’ll wind up with that consulting job, and/or find a way to pay off my student loans. And change the world if I have time.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? Shout out Mike Grose for being an all-around great person and having a solid reverse layup. Also Professor Ron Mitchell, Professor Anca Cristea, John Davidson, nedzer erilus, Miles Marrow, and Kanye West. Is that too many?

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

April Ludgate.

What is one fun fact about you? I can make decent chocolate chip cookies.

Year: Senior Major: Sports Business Minor: Nonprofit Management Dream Job: Working for the NBA Cares, the MakeA-Wish Foundation and ALS Therapy Development Institute, all at the same time!

How/why do you want to change the world? I want to help find a cure for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, or ALS Disease. Through sport, I hope to leverage the platform that big-time leagues, teams and athletes have in society to build brand awareness and fundraising for this terminal disease. People with this disease live for an average of 2-5 years after diagnosis and the progression of this disease is extremely serious. With no current cure and only 2 FDA approved medications that are uninspiring to people living with this disease, I hope to make a strong impact towards hopefully finding a cure one day.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I am extremely proud to have been a member and Vice President of the Warsaw Sports Business Club at UO. This club has almost single handedly shaped my college experience. Through meeting fellow members, getting to know our faculty advisors and taking advantage of volunteer and work experiences that the club offers, I’ve learned the true power that sport has around the world and how it can be an accelerator to do so much good in the world. This club helped me understand that the world can be positively changed through sport, and that is what I hope to do upon graduating from the University of Oregon.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My biggest role model and influencer towards what I want to pursue in life is David Beckham. Through his fame of being one of the greatest soccer players in the world during his playing career, he leveraged his fame towards making a difference in the world and impacting people’s lives. Through his work with the 7Fund with UNICEF and his many philanthropic initiatives, he has influenced me to use the power of sport to change lives. Also, he has an amazing family and being a very family oriented individual, I hope to have a big healthy family like him one day.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I would say that the fictional character I am most like is Clifford the Big Red Dog. I’m obviously not a dog, but Clifford was my favorite show to watch growing up.

What is one fun fact about you? A fun fact about me is that I have been with my fiancé since 8th grade and we have 2 healthy pups together, a 2 year old Shih-tzu and a 8 week old Golden Retriever. Also, because of my rather unique spelling and pronunciation of my first name, every time I go to a restaurant or food/ drink place and they ask for my name for the order, I always say my name is David because of my idol David Beckham and to avoid confusion of spelling.

Kelsey Nava-Costales Kyra Ortega-Schwartz

Emma Rasmusen

Mission Viejo, California

Santa Cruz, California

Year: Senior Majors: Ethnic Studies and Nonprofit Administration Dream Job: To be a Jedi? This is such a hard question! If I am really dreaming I would love to be a professional soccer player or swimmer, or maybe even a singer. I’d love to be Adele for a week! Realistically, I want my work to mean something; I would love to be a Sex Educator, work with at-risk youth or be a politician and use my power for good. I currently work with Oregon Community Programs, a program that helps to foster youth in Oregon. I specifically work with formerly incarcerated youth and I am continuously blown away. They bring me to tears with their stories and their triumphs.

How/why do you want to change the world? I grew up abroad - mostly Southeast Asia. I have seen the extreme poverty that so many communities live in and it really opened my eyes at a young age.

Furthermore, it made me aware of the extreme privileges we have here in the US and at the same time the things we take for granted and have yet to figure out. Being back in the US, especially now during this tumultuous political climate, I am reminded of the ways that the US needs to grow.

Some of the communities that voted for our current administration are the ones who will be most affected by it and that breaks my heart. I am continuously kvetching to my partner about the insane salaries of celebrities and professional athletes because I can’t help but think about the fact that there are people who don’t have access to clean water, food or safe housing.

We have it so backwards and that is the kind of stuff that keeps me up at night. It would be amazing to be a part of an NGO or political action team that can make real change. I want to be on the front lines, grassroots organizing and interacting with those in need.

What are some of your goals after college? Well, I am currently working on a project with Planned Parenthood of Southwestern Oregon. I am collecting data within the Latino population in Lane County and am trying to answer questions regarding their sexual health, overall wellness and access to health care. I am hoping to create culturally competent curriculum. I plan to finish that and present to the board in October.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My mama, Amy Costales. She is the Lorelai to my Rory and my Grandma Jeanne Costales who is definitely Emily Gilmore. They are both such incredible, strong, smart women and I am lucky have had them as my biggest cheerleaders! Outside of my family I would say Elizabeth Warren; she is one awesome lady!

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I grew up looking up to Princess Leia from Star Wars, and Eowyn from Lord of The Rings. My mom always taught me to not be afraid to get dirty, speak my mind and that I was just as good and worthy as any male counterpart. These women were not afraid to stand up to sexism and fight for the things they loved.

Portland, Oregon Year: Sophomore Majors: Human Physiology and Chemistry Dream Job: A doctor. I speak Spanish so working as a doctor in another country. I’d like to really get to know the community and the needs that they have.

How/why do you want to change the world? Ideally, somehow figure out how to adjust the fundamental causes that lead to disparities in health, specifically in underrepresented populations - people who statistically have poor health due to lower incomes.

I’d like to address those fundamental causes, helping address those in developing countries as well.

What has been the best part of your college experience? From a student perspective, I think the research I have been able to do has been really incredible. I work in one of the human physiology labs, and right now I’m working on a study funded by NASA, studying Vision Impairment Pressure Disorder.

It affects astronauts, and we’re doing a really small part of the larger study. It’s interesting to hear how the planning works for these large studies we’re always hearing about works.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’m a peer advisor at the CMAE, along with being a peer advocate in the Duck Nest Wellness Center. It’s been really fun stepping into both roles, and bringing them together. We’re planning a big wellness night for DES students. College populations are pretty healthy, but mental health is a big barrier and in some cultures it’s more taboo where you can have an open discussion. I’m pretty proud to be involved. I’m also proud to be a facilitator with Get Explicit, and I’m actually really afraid of public speaking, so it’s proud of myself to be able to give a 90 minute speech about something that makes people pretty uncomfortable.

What are some of your goals after college? Ideally I’d like to be accepted to a medical school, and getting my masters in public health so when I graduate I can finish with my MD and PH. I’d like to practice abroad and work in a rural or inner city setting.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My parents! My mom is from Mexico originally and moved to the states when she married my dad, making that sacrifice to give her kids a better life in a place where her culture isn’t appreciated. My dad is actually a doctor, so I grew up sitting at dinner hearing about his day at the hospital. That’s probably how I initially realized I was interested in medicine.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Hermione, she’s really intelligent and is always outwitting people who underestimate her. As a woman of color in science people are constantly underestimating what I’m able to do, or surprised like, ‘oh my gosh she’s actually smart?’

What is one fun fact about you? I’m gonna be abroad this summer, I’m going to Ghana and today I got all of my vaccines.

Year: Sophomore Major: Environmental Science Dream Job: Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) How/why do you want to change the world? Within environmental science, I am passionate about how people are affected by pollution and climate change.

I want to actively work towards ensuring clean resources for everyone, most likely specializing in water rights. I want to change the world because environmental rights are fundamental rights – yet people everywhere, including our country, are denied the simplest building blocks to live. Through policy and advocacy for this issue, I hope I can make a difference -- no matter how small.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? This year I am serving on the Greeks Go Green board as a chapter representative working to educate Greek life as a whole on sustainability, as well as certifying my chapter with the Student Sustainability Center. Additionally, I am extremely proud to have planned my first fundraiser this term with no prior event planning experience for CASA of Lane County raising over $4,000.

What are some of your goals after college? Ideally I’ll be living abroad in a place that I can utilize my Spanish, either through the Peace Corp or on my own for a few years. I plan to attend grad school once I return to continue research in environmental policy.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My grandmothers! Melanie, on my mom’s side, has always inspired me to voice my opinion and to stand up for what I believe in. She has been involved with advocacy work her whole life, especially for women’s rights. I love hearing her recount marching on Washington with my mother and aunt for child care deduction so that both spouses could work. Her stories of founding the first Virginia chapter of National Organization of Women and sending out newsletters, including to all the congressman, before Ms. Magazine existed to get out information about women’s rights with the ultimate goal to pass the Equal Rights Amendment have influenced my view of what people are capable.

She has inspired me to want to be part of something greater than myself and to use my voice to make change. Marlyn, on my dad’s side, taught me to crave change. Hearing about her international travels growing up influenced me to leave my comfort zone, learn new languages, and expand my worldview whenever possible.

Which fictional character is most like yourself?

Vanessa from The Bee Movie What is one fun fact about you? My first year at the UO I took up boxing from a friend in the dorms. I am currently taking an MMA class to learn more about sport fighting.

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Meet

Webster.

Webster is pumped for EmeraldFest, and they think you should be too. Webster is all about freedom of speech, so you’ll be sure to catch them at EmeraldFest’s Freedom Forum!

If you also love freedom, go to EmeraldFest.com to learn more.

We bring the camera, lights, props and staff.

You bring your fabulous self.

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Clef is always ready to jam. That’s why they’re excited about EmeraldFest! You’ll find Clef cheering on their favorite bands at the Ethos Block Party, to find your next favorite local artist visit EmeraldFest.com

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2017

This is Dash

Dash lives for the thrill of the run -- especially in their undies. Dash will be leading the pack at the EmeraldFest Undie Run on Thursday, June 1!

If you think you can compete in a dash with Dash, sign up at EmeraldFest.com.

Helen Rawlins

Namratha Somayajula

Katie TenBoer

Seattle, Washington and Fort Collins, Colorado

Pleasanton, California

Santa Jose, California

Year: Senior Majors: Psychology and General Music (Voice) Dream Job: Working as both a psychology professor and consulting with organizations about arts education and nonprofit work.

How/why do you want to change the world? I think education and work with youths is one of the most powerful ways to transform the future. Whether this is education in the US or international nonprofit outreach, education can play a massive role in closing gaps of SES, gender, race, and ethnicity. I specifically enjoy the arts, because while there are many things currently “teaching” kids to be more like everyone else (that there is one way to do things or one definition of success), music is one of the few subjects that can both teach academic topics and teach you to be more like yourself. I therefore see a large and valuable window of opportunity to shape the future with innovative and interdisciplinary education.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’m proud to have been in a lot of different things.

In the music school, I have been in the UO Chamber Choir, and served as a Peer Advisor and Vice President of NAfME. In the Psychology department, I have worked in multiple research labs and was a Peer Lab Leader. I was also the co-director for the UO Relay for Life which involved running an entire committee of students and raising awareness and money for cancer education/research and resources. This year we have raised almost $33,000.00 and are still counting.

What are some of your goals after college? My biggest goal is to continue finding ways to make a difference in the lives of those around me, and to help people feel empowered to reach their highest potential. I plan to get my PhD in developmental psychology, studying the impact of musical experiences on the development of social cognition in children with and without neurodevelopmental disorders, and applying this research to nonprofit work and the field of music education. I also plan to keep singing and perhaps get into education or educational policy.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? At the UO I have had some incredible female mentors including Dr. Caitlin Fausey in the Psychology department and Dr. Sharon Paul in the music department. These professors as well as my family and close friends have provided support and inspiration for everything I put my mind to – I couldn’t be more grateful.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? This will sound weird to anyone who doesn’t know me, but probably a mix between Leslie Knope and Hermione Granger.

What is one fun fact about you?

I did Ballet for almost 13 years, and can list more digits of pi than anyone with a life should be able to.

Year: Senior Major: International Studies Minor: French and Geography Dream Job: International human rights lawyer working with women incarcerated for political crimes in conflict zones.

How/why do you want to change the world?

Wherever I am, I want to always make sure I listen, talk to, and learn from people who come from different backgrounds, experiences and worldviews than my own. If I can use my awareness of these different narratives to lend voice to marginalized groups, and to help myself look at my own views with a critical perspective, I hope it will make a small change in whatever community I’m in.

What has been the best part of your college experience? I’ve found my own community here that I think would have been hard to come by anywhere else – leaving this incredible community of professors, peers, former students, and friends is going to be the hardest part about leaving. These people have played a large role in shaping who I am and it’s thanks to them that I can call Oregon a home.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? I’m lucky to have been offered the chance to pursue a variety of experiences here, each of which have uniquely influenced me and my way of looking at the world. Naming a few -- Carnegie Global Oregon (CGO) and the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program immediately come to mind. I was introduced to InsideOut through my involvement in CGO, and both have helped me begin learning how to view issues through a critical lens and how to make change in complex environments. Classes through the CRES program and the Oxford Consortium of Human Rights in England and Northern Ireland allowed for unique learning experiences regarding particular international conflicts, and have influenced both my way of understanding territorial conflict and my future career goals.

What are some of your goals after college? I’m eager to continue learning, and challenging my preconceived notions. While I’ll miss school and plan to pursue further education soon, I’m excited to begin working outside of a university setting next year, and to begin understanding how to apply what I’ve learned theoretically so far to the real world.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My parents - I’ve thought several times over the past four years about how much growing up with them has influenced my most fundamental values.

In particular, my mom has since the beginning been the person from whom I derive my passion for social justice - she’s my first teacher. I’ve also been extremely fortunate to have found other very positive and influential role models over the years in my teachers, some of the most influential of who I wouldn’t know if I didn’t come to the U of O.

Year: Senior Major: Advertising Dream Job: My dream is to work in San Francisco, that’s where I’ve been applying. I think my dream position would be head or director of marketing, some kind of tech company. I’m actually in my final rounds of interviews for a job that is my dream job Splunk, they’re a cloud data management company. It’s their tenth year in a row being in the Top 10 places to work in San Francisco.

How/why do you want to change the world? I think the best way I can change the world is by existing as a positive influence for people, and keeping the fun and happy attitude around people in my life and workplace. I want people to feel heard and respected, for starters, because that’s something that always is lost in the workplace. I want to change the world by making my life like a child’s book.

What has been the best part of your college experience? There’s been so many good ones, but I’d have to say my leadership role with Relay for Life.

We’ve essentially revamped the entire program, and went from hopefully good year, to having the best year the University of Oregon relay has ever seen. We raised $32,000 for cancer research - and counting!

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? For the past year and a half I have been the Apple campus rep, essentially I was the face for Apple for the University of Oregon. I got a great discount, got to table all the time, and talk to department heads about different projects we were working on. It was a really neat experience, because Allen Hall is one of the most Apple influenced buildings on campus.

What are some of your goals after college? Moving to a city, some sort of creative marketing role in a company. I want to sit on a beach in like 70-80 degree weather, not too hot, in the Bahamas or somewhere tropical with mimosas galore!

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My parents have built me, but someone who’s kind of been influential to me has been Emma Watson. She’s so unapologetically herself, and is so sweet. She really cares about the message that she gives to other women in the roles that she plays. She works really hard, too.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I’d like to say I’m a hybrid of Tina Fey and Amy Poehler in Baby Mama, Kate Holbrook and Angie Ostrowiski.

They’re such a power duo.

What is one fun fact about you? I broke my nose in a show choir in sixth grade, and had to wear a small face cast. I thought it would be fun to join show choir because you got to go to Disneyland. It was a classic high school musical song we were rehearsing, and while I was spotting for this girl doing her flip, her knee just went right in my face.

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Molly Zaninovich

Hope Zima

Lake Oswego, Oregon

Eugene, Oregon

Year: Junior Major: Women’s and Gender Studies Dream Job: I want to work as a sex educator in a middle school.

Why are you attending UO? I chose the University of Oregon because it was close to home, and I was really attracted to the activist culture on campus. I got that impression from high school just looking at the university, but I didn’t realize how awesome it would be until I actually got here. There’s so many like-minded people everywhere and it feels very welcoming. Oregon is awesome, and I really enjoy the outdoor perks – exploring everywhere outdoors has been incredible.

How/why do you want to change the world? The one thing that always comes to mind would be to make reproductive health care accessible for everyone. Regardless of status, age, gender identity, geographical location, everyone should have access to proper health care. I want to break down every single barrier!

What has been the best part of your college experience? I don’t have a specific occurrence, but the work that I’ve been doing with SWAT, the people I’ve found and worked with has been amazing. I’m learning so much about myself as a facilitator and the things I’m passionate about. In high school wasn’t I wasn’t very well spoken, and my confidence has increased so much. I’ve grown a lot!

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? Besides my work with SWAT, I’m also co-chair of the club Students for Choice. Spearheading it with three of my best friends has been really fun. Some of what we do is partnering with planned parenthood, phone banking, and canvassing for them as well. Right now we’re putting on a reproductive health panel, too.

What are some of your goals after college? Besides my goal of middle school teaching, I’d like to travel more often and experience things outside of the west coast, specifically outside of the US. I like to set physical goals for myself, focus more on outdoorsy things in my life, and hopefully have more time, too.

Who’s your biggest role model/influencer? My mom!

She’s the absolute most patient, yet meticulous person I’ve ever met before. I have two younger brothers, and she always cares so much about us and is always there for us in a really amazing way. I’ve never had another mom of course, but I cannot even imagine looking to someone else or growing up with anyone else. She pays so much attention to detail and making sure that each one of us is as happy as we can be.

Year: Senior Major: Educational Foundations Dream Job: 1st grade teacher Why are you attending UO? The education program here is really great, and it has a social justice focus which is something that’s pretty unique. Additionally, I play ultimate frisbee and I’m on the women’s team here and it’s really great.

How/why do you want to change the world? I don’t know if changing the entire world is really in my scope, but I think I can affect individual people.

That’s part of the reason I want to be a teacher. Some of the most influential people in my life have been teachers. I think that especially with young children, you can have such a monumental effect on their lives and help them to do things that they need like reading and writing. What we are taught to do in the College of Education is to treat the whole child, and to think about them as an individual and as a unique personality and to think about how you can best educate them without fitting them into a mold, which is unfortunately how a lot of education is done currently. It’s a pretty cool system to be a part of, to learn how to educate for the child and not in spite of them. So I think that I have the potential to hopefully affect some children’s’ lives, and maybe they’ll go on to change the world and do great things.

What has been the best part of your college experience? Frisbee absolutely. I mean, it has changed me as a person, but I really play for the people on my team. I mean, I like chasing circular plastic--it’s pretty great--but that’s not the whole reason I am there. The people on my team are just so incredible and even when stuff is hard, we just learn how to work together in a way that’s really invaluable.

What are you proud to have been involved with at UO? Specifically with frisbee, we have been pretty successful, but even if we hadn’t, I think I would be proud to represent the university in the way that i do.

Because ultimate is such an awesome sport. We think about players as people and opponents as people, and we try to beat them in the most successful way that we can, which is something that I think is missing from a lot of sports. And in the education department, getting to represent the university in classrooms in the community has been awesome, because kids love college kids, and we get to sort of make an impact on them.

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I’d say either Hagrid from Harry Potter, or Jerry Gergich from Parks and Recreation.

What are some of your goals after college? I am going to grad school actually at the University of Oregon for education. I’m also hoping to travel a little bit and get to know some kids from different situations. Since I’m from Eugene, I’ve had a pretty singular focus, so i think seeing some new things and having some new experiences would be really good for me.

What is one fun fact about you? I’m a second degree black belt!

Which fictional character is most like yourself? I always loved Anne of Green Gables.

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Congratulations to all of our 25 Ducks award winners for 2017!

The 25 Ducks award honors outstanding students at the University of Oregon who have demonstrated a passion for their studies and commitment to their community and shown their peers that they have the potential to positively impact our world. Our 25 winners have met and surpassed these criteria, and have clearly demonstrated the outstanding qualities we look for in our student recipients of this award.

The Emerald Media Group began this award as an opportunity for outstanding young leaders across the UO campus to be recognized by faculty, staff, and their fellow students for their commitment, work ethic, and leadership. The Student Alumni Association, a student organization housed in the UO Alumni Association, focuses on actively engaging students during their time on campus, understanding that it will be these engaged students that springboard into being active alumni. This inspired the UO Alumni Association to participate in these awards. The Emerald and the UO Alumni Association are proud to be able to bring this recognition to outstanding Ducks each year who have displayed the potential to change the world.

Students are and will always be the University of Oregon’s greatest assets. Students’ abilities and contributions to the university and surrounding community are an important key to the success of the entire university. These students’ accomplishments have distinguished them as exemplary Ducks who are already making a difference and contributing to the university’s motto, “Mens Agitat Molem.” Our 25 recipients will continue to make a difference long after they graduate and become ambassadors and advocates for the University of Oregon.

Our award recipients contribute to the high quality of the UO. It is this communal spirit that brings Duck alumni from all over the world together to give back, displaying their commitment to their alma mater, their communities, and encouraging the success of future generations of Ducks.

This award represents our appreciation and serves as an ongoing reminder of the achievements of these celebrated students. Take a moment to reflect upon your accomplishments and take pride in knowing that you are an important member of the UO community. On behalf of the Alumni Association and our Duck alumni around the world, I would like to extend our gratitude for all you have done for our university and the local community. We look forward to seeing the great things that you will accomplish in your futures!

Sincerely,

Kelly Menachemson Executive Director UO Alumni Association PHONE: (541) 346-5656 or (800) 245-ALUM PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 1720 E. 13th, Eugene, OR 97403 MAILING ADDRESS: 1204 University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403-1204 EMAIL: alumni@uoregon.edu

WEB: www.uoalumni.com

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June 1st 2017 EmeraldFest.com

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