Scholar Performance
Tessa was featured with her chamber group on the national radio program 'From the Top'.
Scholars in the News
Reshma Tharani, 21, is part of a new breed of community college student
Elizabeth Bair
"I was born in an enchanted valley, up a peaceful river, miles from the port town of Coos Bay, Oregon. My father worked in the timber industry, mother was a homemaker, caregiver, and hospice worker. I learned early to help in the garden, do household chores, and make my own clothes. My parents felt strongly about education and made sacrifices."
- Program: 2007 Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship Recipient
- Resides: Hillsboro, OR
- Hometown: Coos Bay, OR
- Age: 51
- Community College: Portland Community College
- Four-year College or University: Pacific University
- Academic/Career Pursuits: Arts / Music / Performance, Health Care, Languages, Literature, Psychology / Therapy, Public Policy, Public Services, Social Science / Anthropology
- Other Interests: Foreign Languages / International Study, Health Care, Honor Society, Languages, Leadership Development, Literature, Performing Arts / Theatre, Public Policy, Public Services, Social Science / Anthropology, Student Government, Visual Arts, Volunteer Work
Biography
Elizabeth Bair followed the example of hard-working, resourceful parents, and affirmed a new career direction in helping her mother and father. "When my mother suffered a massive stroke, I spent eight months living in the home where I grew up. Only this time, I was helping my dad take care of my mother. We helped her learn to walk, and guided her small hands to fit puzzle pieces in place. Every day she taught me by her example how to choose to live a happy and meaningful life. My mother's therapists changed her life by the knowledge, compassion, and empathy they gave." Elizabeth decided to emulate these individuals and complete her education in this healing field. "I want to help people live with more independence and dignity, more satisfaction and freedom."
As a young mother of two, Elizabeth stayed at home and depended on her husband's income. She volunteered at the school, with the Girl Scouts, and with Meals on Wheels. "I discovered a talent for organizing and leading." The family finances were tight, with no money left for extracurricular activities. Elizabeth often traded art and other work for discounts on her daughters' swim and dance class fees. "This was a positive experience for us, and a good example for my girls about ingenuity, hard work, and fun."
At the age of 32, Elizabeth returned to the workforce and rose to management positions in customer service and telecommunications. "I made business decisions according to company policies that didn't align well with my personal values." In November, 1999, change arrived; Elizabeth's employer closed its doors and her 22-year marriage ended. Elizabeth reevaluated her life through reading, yoga, and a women's support group. She now shares a large house with her daughter, four other adults, and a toddler, helping address the financial realities of being a student.
"I am grateful for this intense and precious time in my life. I realize that I have much to learn, much to offer, and much to look forward to."
Other Scholars Like Elizabeth
Linda Siegmann
Graduate Scholar
The University of Tulsa
Mohamed Zahir Osman Kassam
Graduate Scholar
Nottingham University
Valeria Dias
Undergraduate Transfer Scholar
Cornell University
Lucy Marcil
Graduate Scholar
University of Pennsylvania