Po San
University of Oregon, Art
Class of 2023
What is your major?
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My major is Art with focuses in fibers, photography, and digital arts.
What did you think about college before you attended?
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I thought it was going to be scary and overwhelming, especially starting in the midst of COVID-19!
How do you think being a first generation student has affected your college experience?
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I definitely had a different background than many students attending college, but I didn’t let the differences stop me from pursuing everything I wanted.
What do you love about your college?
I love the school spirit that UO ducks have!
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What does it mean to you to have been chosen as a Renaissance Scholar?
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I felt like someone believed in me and this really carried me through the hard times. When college first began in 2020 (when I had no friends yet, my family was hours away, and all my peers and professors were through a screen), and to go into college knowing that I already have a support system made the transition easier.
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What has been the most impactful experience or class during your time in college?
The most impactful class I took during my time in college was Digital Imaging (a digital arts class about color theory). In this course, I pushed myself by allowing myself to bring my ideas to light even when others didn’t understand the concept behind it and to experiment when I was scared that the outcome would end with me possibly earning a bad grade.
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What advice would you give a high school student preparing for college?
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If you want it, there’s going to be a way (whether that’s searching for an opportunity or creating one yourself)!
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Any advice for students applying for the Renaissance Scholars Program?
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Don’t let your insecurities stop you from achieving what you want (even if you don’t recognize your own potential, others will)!
Are you a Renaissance Scholar? Current scholars and alumni can share their stories here.