Help Luis Pay It Forward
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Luis has had one dream since he was in 7th grade - to be a teacher. Specifically, a special education teacher. There were times when he didn’t think this was possible for a variety of legitimate reasons. First, Luis is a first generation college student. Nobody in his family has completed elementary school let alone earn a graduate degree. Second, college is expensive and as immigrants, Luis’s family does not have a lot of money to spare. Finally, Luis is a Dreamer; his parents brought him to America when he was a little boy with the hope that he would have more opportunities than they did as children.
It’s an understatement to say that Luis has fully embraced the American Dream. He was successful in middle and high school and recently completed his bachelors degree in American Studies at Oregon State University - Cascades (he completed his first two years at Central Oregon Community College). He completed his degree while working full time as a Latino Family Liaison for the Bend-LaPine School District. In June, Luis was awarded the Distinguished Student Award at OSU - Cascades (see link below). This was a tremendous honor and Luis’s parent and I could not be more proud of him. Here are a few more of Luis’s accomplishments:
https://osucascades.edu/commencement/distinguished-student-awards
- Three varsity letters for wrestling
- Three varsity letters for soccer
- Bend Senior High Student Council - 2013-2015
- Captain of the COCC Soccer Team
- Student Body Vice President at COCC
- Minority Scholarship recipient - OSU Cascades for 18-19 school year.
- COCC Latino Program Scholarship - Two years
- Hamren Teacher Scholarship
In addition to his studies, job, and college activities, Luis has demonstrated a strong commitment to our community. Here are a few of the ways Luis has endeavored to help others:
- Latino Community Association - El Consulado 2018-2019.
- Latino Community Association - Child care and front desk.
- Brain Camp - Elk Meadow Elementary School - August 2014
- Cadet Teacher at Bear Creek Elementary School - January - June 2015.
- Volunteer at Pine Ridge Elementary - Recruited to support positive interactions between 4th and 5th graders on the playground and soccer field.
- Holiday Food and Gift delivery for the Bend Elks Lodge, 2010- present.
The next step in Luis’s journey will take him to Eugene. He doesn't want to be an average special education teacher; he wants to be exceptional. In order to do this, he decided to attend the 3rd-ranked special education program in the country (https://education.uoregon.edu/sped). Luis is excited to learn about the latest research and best practices in learning theory, reading, and behavior. He is also excited to have a more traditional college experience.
Luis will work while he is attending graduate school. His income along with his parents support will cover his room and board and daily living expenses. Paying for tuition is where he needs help. Here is a link to the Cost of Attendance page at the U of O:
https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/cost_of_attendance_graduate
As you can see, graduate school is expensive. Luis needs $34,476 in order to earn his Master's degree and special education credential.
It took a lot to persuade Luis to agree to this. He is a proud, independent young man who does not like to ask for charity. He did finally agree with one condition - that he pay all the donated money back in the form of scholarships to other first-generation college students. As a Dreamer, Luis is not eligible for student loans. He will, however, treat the donated money as a loan and make monthly payments to an account. He will pay about $150 per month for 20 years in order to ‘pay back’ all of the donated money. Each spring, he and a scholarship committee will award an $1800 scholarship to a senior graduating from any high school in Central Oregon. Scholarship criteria will likely include:
- First generation college student.
- Student will attend a 4-year college in Oregon.
- Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA or ORSAA).
- GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Looking back, I don’t think Luis or his parents could have imagined how successful he would become. In their village in Guerrero, Mexico, most kids leave school before fifth grade and virtually nobody attends college. Luis has exceeded all expectations and he is a excellent role model for his sister and honestly, for all of us. I am certain that if we can help Luis earn is Master's and his teaching credential, he will impact countless lives throughout his career.
Thank you for supporting this fine young man in achieving his dreams!
Steve Wetherald
It’s an understatement to say that Luis has fully embraced the American Dream. He was successful in middle and high school and recently completed his bachelors degree in American Studies at Oregon State University - Cascades (he completed his first two years at Central Oregon Community College). He completed his degree while working full time as a Latino Family Liaison for the Bend-LaPine School District. In June, Luis was awarded the Distinguished Student Award at OSU - Cascades (see link below). This was a tremendous honor and Luis’s parent and I could not be more proud of him. Here are a few more of Luis’s accomplishments:
https://osucascades.edu/commencement/distinguished-student-awards
- Three varsity letters for wrestling
- Three varsity letters for soccer
- Bend Senior High Student Council - 2013-2015
- Captain of the COCC Soccer Team
- Student Body Vice President at COCC
- Minority Scholarship recipient - OSU Cascades for 18-19 school year.
- COCC Latino Program Scholarship - Two years
- Hamren Teacher Scholarship
In addition to his studies, job, and college activities, Luis has demonstrated a strong commitment to our community. Here are a few of the ways Luis has endeavored to help others:
- Latino Community Association - El Consulado 2018-2019.
- Latino Community Association - Child care and front desk.
- Brain Camp - Elk Meadow Elementary School - August 2014
- Cadet Teacher at Bear Creek Elementary School - January - June 2015.
- Volunteer at Pine Ridge Elementary - Recruited to support positive interactions between 4th and 5th graders on the playground and soccer field.
- Holiday Food and Gift delivery for the Bend Elks Lodge, 2010- present.
The next step in Luis’s journey will take him to Eugene. He doesn't want to be an average special education teacher; he wants to be exceptional. In order to do this, he decided to attend the 3rd-ranked special education program in the country (https://education.uoregon.edu/sped). Luis is excited to learn about the latest research and best practices in learning theory, reading, and behavior. He is also excited to have a more traditional college experience.
Luis will work while he is attending graduate school. His income along with his parents support will cover his room and board and daily living expenses. Paying for tuition is where he needs help. Here is a link to the Cost of Attendance page at the U of O:
https://financialaid.uoregon.edu/cost_of_attendance_graduate
As you can see, graduate school is expensive. Luis needs $34,476 in order to earn his Master's degree and special education credential.
It took a lot to persuade Luis to agree to this. He is a proud, independent young man who does not like to ask for charity. He did finally agree with one condition - that he pay all the donated money back in the form of scholarships to other first-generation college students. As a Dreamer, Luis is not eligible for student loans. He will, however, treat the donated money as a loan and make monthly payments to an account. He will pay about $150 per month for 20 years in order to ‘pay back’ all of the donated money. Each spring, he and a scholarship committee will award an $1800 scholarship to a senior graduating from any high school in Central Oregon. Scholarship criteria will likely include:
- First generation college student.
- Student will attend a 4-year college in Oregon.
- Demonstrate financial need (FAFSA or ORSAA).
- GPA of 3.00 or higher.
Looking back, I don’t think Luis or his parents could have imagined how successful he would become. In their village in Guerrero, Mexico, most kids leave school before fifth grade and virtually nobody attends college. Luis has exceeded all expectations and he is a excellent role model for his sister and honestly, for all of us. I am certain that if we can help Luis earn is Master's and his teaching credential, he will impact countless lives throughout his career.
Thank you for supporting this fine young man in achieving his dreams!
Steve Wetherald
Organizer
Steven Wetherald
Organizer
Bend, OR