OUR 2024-2025 AAUW GRESHAM AREA BRANCH  SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT

       MORIAH

 The Mt. Hood Community College Foundation selected Moriah, a chemistry major, as the 2024-2025 AAUW Gresham Area Branch Scholarship Recipient.  In a communique that she wrote to the Branch, Moriah tells us about herself and profusely thanks the Branch for her scholarship:

I was born and raised in Portland, Oregon. I have a passion for science and the ocean. I plan to pursue these passions by getting my bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a focus on ocean chemistry. One of my main career motivations is climate change, specifically ocean acidification and the impact it will have on future generations.  

Beyond my academic goals, I enjoy hobbies in which I can express my creativity. One of those hobbies is baking. I have been baking for as long as I can remember. My love for baking started as watching Cupcake Wars and progressed into baking cakes for my friends’ birthdays. Baking and decorating a cake is like making a painting you can eat. The detail that goes into making a cake can be frustrating, but the outcome is always worth it.  

Another way I like to express my creativity is through fashion, specifically secondhand fashion. I have always had a love for vintage and secondhand fashion. Finding a unique piece that truly encompasses your personality is a wonderful feeling. I am also drawn to the sustainability of secondhand fashion. Having artistic outlets such as fashion and baking is something that has always helped me manage stress and express myself. 

I cannot thank you enough for awarding me the AAUW Gresham Area Branch Scholarship. I will be forever grateful for your generosity. The news of this scholarship has relieved an immense amount of stress overpaying for my upcoming year of college.  

The AAUW mission is incredibly inspiring, and I am honored that I have been chosen as an awardee by such a progressive organization. My upcoming year of college is undoubtedly going to be very hectic as I will be applying to transfer colleges while balancing a full class schedule and a job. This scholarship will eliminate the stress of paying for my Mt. Hood classes so I can focus on my studies and college applications.  

After I transfer to a 4-year college I intend to get my bachelor’s in chemistry, while focusing on ocean chemistry. As I have progressed through my first year of college, the idea of getting a degree further than a bachelor’s has become more of a target. This award is another push to pursue higher education. Going into a male-dominated field can be intimidating, but, having support from people such as yourself, makes me inspired to achieve my education and career goals. I am endlessly grateful for this scholarship that will allow me to focus on my passion without the stress of college debt.