Leadership Development & Support in the Classroom with Kieurstyn

Transcript

Let’s hear from Kieurstyn, a senior ROTC cadet from Guam, who’s paying forward the support she receives to the next generation of students. Whether you’re the first in your family to attend college or amongst a long line of alums, every student faces challenges when they do, UP is there to help with academic tutoring, mental health counseling, affinity groups, and much more. Fill us in, Kieurstyn.

– Thanks for the intro, Alex. I always knew I wanted to attend college, the question was which one? I knew I wanted a place that was far away yet close to home, supportive inside and outside of my academics, and was going to develop me as a leader and a person. University of Portland ticked all those boxes. I’m the first in my family to attend college and when I came to UP from Guam, it was my first time I’d come to the mainland too. It was a shock all around, but the support I received these past three years, especially from my professors in the Pamplin School of Business has been a huge contributor to my success. I take pride in seeing my name each semester on the Dean’s List, and being an Air Force ROTC Cadet has contributed tremendously to my growth as a leader. The leadership skills I’ve learned in the Air Force ROTC Program has prepared me to become a student coordinator for UP’s First Generation Program, which provides support, mentoring, special programs and engagement opportunities for first generation students like me, the F-Gen program is one of many ways UP actively support students on their academic journey, from mental health services in the counseling center, to academic assistance at the Shepherd Academic Resource Center, not to mention the faculty librarians who make college level research a lot less intimidating, there’s always someone to help you every step of the way. My time on the Bluff has given me the confidence to embark on another journey, revitalizing the Chamorro Club for students coming from the Mariana Islands and Micronesia. Thanks to UP and the ways it has helped me grow, I know I’ll be prepared to be a United States Air Force officer when I graduate. Back to you Alex.

– Wow, Kieurstyn, you’ve done an amazing job navigating college life so far from home and helping others do the same. Your story proves that we’re stronger when we work together and that commitment to community is what defines the UP experience. Thanks for sharing.