Melissa Osborne

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“After a gap in my education of 12 years, I entered college in the winter of 2008. After I began taking classes, I realized that although I was earning high marks, I felt fairly disconnected from my campus community. This inspired me to join student government which helped to make me realize that the vision of just a few people can really make a difference. This reality now inspires me on a daily basis academically, socially, and personally.”

  • Program: 2010 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
  • Resides: Portland, OR
  • Hometown: Roseburg, OR
  • Age: 30

Biography

 

PROFILE: In 1996 in Roseburg, OR, down the Pacific Coast Highway from Portland, a young woman named Melissa Osborne at age 14, decided to quit high school after her freshman year. What has happened in the years since is a story of resilience and rebirth. Holding down various jobs to support herself and her family during the late 90s, Melissa eventually earned her G.E.D. A few years later, she realized she could make a difference, but needed a college degree. She enrolled at Umpqua Community College in her hometown and quickly made up for a lost decade of classroom time. She graduated with a near perfect GPA, but beyond that as Student Government President, she advocated for her fellow students through various projects.

INSPIRATION: One can think back to a life-changing event—a class, a chance meeting, or a conversation. At that time, the scope may not be known. In Melissa’s case, she knows exactly when: “In the winter of ’08, I enrolled in Sociology 213: Race, Class and Ethnicity,” Melissa said. “The subject matter of sociology enthralled me from that first class session and through the learning process, providing me with an outlet and deeper understanding of issues in society I am often frustrated with.” It was a pivotal moment in Melissa’s life. Dr. Emery Smith, the teacher that day, became her mentor and friend.

ASPIRATION: Melissa eventually wants to teach sociology on the college level. Like Melissa, Dr. Smith, was a high school drop-out who eventually earned a GED, graduated first from community college, and then from university before finally becoming a college professor.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE:   Of all Melissa’s achievements, she is most proud of Project C.A.N.S. (Campus Advocacy for Nourishing Students) which she created in 2008. She recognized that hunger at her college affected the ability of many students to successfully complete their programs of study. “Project C.A.N.S. enabled me to aid my fellow students and help them focus on their educations and created an environment of giving on my campus through food drives and hunger awareness,” Melissa said.

ACCOLADES: Melissa was named to USA Today's All-USA Community College Academic Team 2010 and was a Coca-Cola Foundation New Century Scholar. In addition, she was named the Oregon Community College Association Outstanding Scholar for 2010.

INTERESTING FACT: “I have a stack of five books tattooed on my leg. That includes books that range from Nietzche to Harry Potter.”
 

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