Angela Mumford
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Portland State University, Class of 2020
Health Studies
Why did you choose your major?
I picked Health Studies: Pre-nursing as my major because nursing is something that I have seen myself doing for years! I have such a drive and passion for helping others that I could not see myself doing anything else. I love the personable connections that I will be able to make with patients as well as catering to underserved communities to the best of my ability.
What have you been doing since graduation?
I have moved to the Beaverton area and decided to take a gap year before nursing school. I am currently working as a scribe in Vancouver and it is amazing how much I have learned thus far and will hopefully help me as I go into nursing school. I am super thankful for the opportunities that have been given to me. Life post graduation has been adaption due to the last 16 years being a student and always have a due date. It has felt nice to be able to relax and take time for myself.
How do you think being a first generation student affected your college experience?
Being a first generation college student gave me the ability to see circumstances from points of view as well as learning skills that I will take into old age. I have learned to ask for help when needed as well as being receptive to constructive criticism. I taught myself how to time manage at an early age and learned the benefit of taking mental health breaks. As a first generation student, I really felt the pressure to succeed. However, it was important for me to realize that making mistakes were a part of the process and they helped me to be a better person and student.
What did you love about Portland State?
What I loved about PSU was the sense of community within my major. I thoroughly enjoyed the drive students had as well as the welcoming demeanor. I was able to find study groups based on the classes I was taking as well as making lifelong friends that I will keep in touch with as we continue our journeys.
Were there any people along your collegiate journey that made a special impact on you? How?
Dr. Ryan Petteway made a lasting impression on me. He was a professor I could always count on to keep it real and organic. The way that Dr. Petteway taught showed me that he has hope for the future generations. I enjoyed his drive as a POC professor in public health.
What was the most impactful experience during your time in college?
The most impactful experience for me during college was the internship credits I needed to have to graduate. Through my internship, I was able to go on job shadows as well as meet with practicing nurses and ask them questions about where they got their start. Without the opportunity I had as an intern, I would not be as knowledgeable as I am today about the various practices and point of care nursing that I can do in the future.
If you have ever attended our scholarship brunches, how did those go for you? Any specific memories?
I did attend the scholarship brunches! The most memorable moments for me was when the board of the scholarship came around to the different tables and introduced themselves to us. It was a meaningful experience because these were the faces that read our applications and hand picked us to be a scholarship award winner.
What does it mean to you to have been chosen as a Renaissance Scholar?
Being a Renaissance scholar to me means that I am a hard working, deserving student that has a drive to change the world.
Any advice for students applying for the Renaissance Scholars program?
Advice for future scholars: Put your best self out there and be authentic! Speak to your experiences and how they have made you the person that you are today. You’ve got this!