David is entering his senior year at the University of Oregon, where he is majoring in General Social Sciences with a concentration in Applied Economics, Business & Sociology and a minor in Spanish. His studies reflect his long-term goal of building a career in hospitality, with hopes of one day owning and operating his own hotel. By combining business knowledge with an understanding of people, David is preparing for a profession centered on creating welcoming experiences for others.

David chose to navigate higher education independently. He has worked full time since his freshman year while managing rent, coursework, and every major decision about his future on his own. That experience taught him to trust himself, embrace responsibility, and keep moving forward even when the path ahead felt uncertain.

“I want to be someone who can make others’ experiences both with me and in life much easier. Everyone deals with their own problems and hardships, so I want to be someone who relieves even the tiniest bit of stress in someone’s daily life.”

The Trace of Hope grant will help David pay down the student loans he has relied on to continue his education, easing one of the biggest financial pressures he faces. Receiving the grant brought a sense of relief and reminded him that his hard work has been seen and valued, a moment made even more meaningful when he shared the news with his proud and emotional parents.

“It felt like a big sigh of relief upon receiving the grant. I felt like my hard work of constant 40hr work weeks and long study hours this term truly paid off. I felt appreciated, celebrated, and encouraged to keep pushing forward!”

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