Help Erin Stay at Linfield University

Hello Everyone! My name is Erin Miller, and I am a sophomore in college this year. I currently attend Linfield University in Oregon. I am incredibly involved on campus, and while I absolutely love it here, it's looking like I won't be able to stay. I get quite a bit of funds in scholarships because of my involvement in the theatre department, playing the clarinet in our Wildcat Band, and being the President of RHA. But, it's not enough. I wear many hats in the Theatre Department, everything from set designing and building to being in charge of microphones and sound engineering. I have found many friends in the Theatre Department through my many jobs and am constantly learning new life skills. The Wildcat Band has allowed me to continue playing the clarinet in college and has helped me further those skills. It also keeps me playing at football games, and boosting morale, which I have always loved doing. RHA is an association focused on creating a community and safe environment for people to enjoy their college experience. It has provided me a lot of opportunities to make friends, learn about myself as both a person and a leader, and above all has allowed me to make connections and form skills that will help me continue to form relationships as my life goes on. Being the President of RHA provides me with joy and practice planning events as well. If I did not sound busy enough, I am also apart of our Wildcat Glee Club. For the first time since elementary school, I have found myself singing on stage. And I am truly enjoying every second of it. While all of these things mean the world to me and provide me with so many wonderful resources, they are all extracurriculars. After all, the reason one goes to college is to get a degree. I am no different, and am on track to receive a degree in Elementary Education as a part of the Linfield Class of 2027. The Education program here is incomparable to many others. I am in a classroom aiding or teaching almost every semester, and I am afforded the opportunity to work with students of all grades, cultures, lifestyles, and identities. While many other programs do not have you in a classroom until senior year, I started my freshman year in a 2nd grade classroom. This has really helped me feel more prepared and has solidified my passion to become a teacher. Not only is the content of my courses fantastic, Professors do not hesitate to reach out if you have not been in class or if you have something going on. They are very approachable and I feel I have relationships with my professors that allow me to be honest and come to them when I need help, without fearing judgement. While I have met with many professionals in Financial Aid and heads of various departments, I am still missing a large chunk of change to pay this semesters tuition and if I can't pay it, I can't stay. So please, if you typically buy me a Christmas or Birthday present, donate instead! I would love to stay here and even though I work full time in the summer, have a work study job on campus, and get a monthly stipend for my role in RHA, with tuition increases and the unfortunate idea that there are only so many hours in a day, I am still missing money. Please consider donating!