David H.
Business Administration and Sustainability (Double Degree)
Army National Guard, 2017 - Present
"After graduating high school, I joined the Oregon Army National Guard at 17, seeking direction and a way to serve others. Over the past seven years, I’ve grown from that high school student that I once was, learning discipline, leadership, and resilience. My military service taught me the value of structure, community and perseverance—lessons that shaped my path toward higher education.
At OSU-Cascades, I am pursuing a triple major, including a bachelor's of science in business administration, sustainability, and social science, as well as a minor in computer science, balancing 19–22 credits per term while working and serving in the Guard.
It has been incredibly challenging, yet rewarding. My experiences inspired my mission to help veterans and first-generation students navigate financial systems and mental health challenges. Looking ahead, I plan to earn my MBA and become both a Certified Financial Planner and Certified Public Accountant. My goal is to create accessible financial education programs that empower underserved communities to build stability and hope."
Ruth D.
MFA - Creative Writing
U.S. Navy, 2001 – 2005
"While in the Navy, I attended college and earned credits toward a bachelor of arts degree, which I completed after leaving the Navy to pursue college full-time. I wanted to be a teacher, but took time off to raise my family, as my husband was still enlisted. He was able to retire after 23 years of service, and then it was time to return to my studies. I picked up my original plan and applied to OSU-Cascades' Master of Arts in Teaching. One semester of teaching courses helped me realize that I wanted to write, and not teach. While I raised my kids and supported my husband on the home front, I wrote and published two books for our kids. I wanted to keep writing and decided to move to OSU-Cascades' MFA in Creative Writing program. It was helpful to have a university campus in Bend, where my family lives. In my cohort, I met people who became my friends and future writing partners. And my kids, who are quickly turning into adults, would now also like to attend OSU-Cascades to pursue their passions."
Marissa A.
Hospitality Management
U.S. Air Force, 2011 – 2017
"I joined the military straight out of high school as an eager and determined 18-year-old. Shortly after, I became a mother and entered an entirely new phase of life. During my time in the military, I developed a strong sense of discipline and work ethic, and a camaraderie that continue to guide me today. After separating from service, I came to OSU-Cascades seeking that same sense of community and purpose and I found it here. My experience at this university has been incredibly rewarding and has reaffirmed my passion for the hospitality industry. Looking ahead, I aspire to build a career in hospitality management, specifically within resort operations, either in the food and beverage sector or vacation home management."
Chris R.
MFA - Creative Writing
U.S. Army
"In 2007, I was laid off from my position of motorcycle technician at Harley Davidson. I noticed there was a trend in the industry. Everyone was being laid off, except for veterans. I thought to myself, “I’d like to get me some of that 'good ol’ boy” fraternal lovin’ that is a lesser-known perk of military service. After watching the movies “Stripes” and “Spies Like Us,” I was sold on the romanticized vision of cinematic patriotism. I signed my life away on the dotted line to the U.S. Army for three years, was promoted in rank, and received a $7,000 bonus to be a 52 Delta. That’s a generator repair specialist to civilians.
After training, I went to my unit, 10th Mountain in Fort Polk, Louisiana. Most of our unit was already deployed to the political district of Rusafa. This was in Bagdad on the eastern bank of the Tigris River. Our commander pushed us through two weeks of accelerated pre-deployment training. I felt just like Chevy Chase and Dan Ackroyd being thrown in a mud puddle while under fire. It was laughable, fun and didn’t prepare us for the realities of war. The sheer insanity of military service and war left me with a restless energy I didn’t know what to do with. Realizing I was comparing my experience to a cinematic experience, the only logical thing to do was hone that energy into art. Since I love the magic of the written word, I decided to come to OSU-Cascades for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing program. I was left with some big questions about existence, philosophy and how to inspire our civilization through literature. I found OSU-Cascades’ MFA to be a perfect fit for the journey I am on."
Sydnie E.
Business Administration
U.S. Marine Corps, 2017 – 2022
"I shipped out to Parris Island, South Carolina in the fall of 2017. Soon after, I was stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni in Japan where I spent four years working as an aviation logistician. When I left Japan in 2022, I went to Saddleback College in Mission Viejo, California to get my associates of science degree in business administration. After that, I decided to attend OSU-Cascades to get my bachelors degree, and I am very glad that I did. I am hoping to complete the MBA program at OSU, and ultimately find a job that I love while also helping run my family's businesses."