Oregon GEAR UP – which stands for Gaining Early Awareness and
Readiness for Undergraduate Programs – is supported by a six-year grant
from the U.S. Department of Education and the contributions of many
community partners. The goal of the GEAR UP program is to ensure that
Oregon’s low-income middle school and high school students are prepared
for, pursue, and succeed in postsecondary education.
This month, they feature MHS graduate and Gear Up scholarship recipient Ian Robins, now a senior at Whitworth University.
Name: Ian Robins
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
High School: McMinnville High School
College/University: Whitworth University
Year in School: Senior
Major: Health Science Major – Sociology Minor
Activities Involved in On Campus: ASWU – Student Body President
What do you wish you would have known/done before coming to college?
Something
I wish I knew before coming to college is that it’s okay to have a hard
semester your first year! It is such a big transition from high school
and everything changes, so it’s okay to give yourself some grace when
things get tough.
What is one of the best things about college?
One
of my favorite things about college is that there is a lot of freedom
to what you do when it comes to classes, activities, and social life.
There have been a bunch of things during my time in school that I
probably wouldn’t have been able to do or learn if not in school.
How has GEAR UP helped you?
GEAR UP has been so
beneficial to me in my college experience. It has provided much needed
funds for school that help me put my paychecks to items my scholarships
can’t cover. All in all, they have been a huge blessing in my life.
What are your future career plans?
My future
career plans are to go back to school after I graduate and become a
Physician’s Assistant. I have learned so much in the sciences that have
pushed me in this direction and I know that I can excel at loving and
serving others in this way.