Kara Gooderham is an SILG scholarship recipient, receiving a 2020-2021 EOU Continuation Scholarship. Kara is from La Grande and would like to thank her parents, grandparents and close friends for their never-ending support. Kara says “I am thankful to have people in my life who have always held me to a high standard and taught me to work hard and to challenge myself.”
Kara is currently pursuing a degree in Biology at Eastern Oregon University. After her undergraduate degree is complete, Kara plans to obtain a masters degree in Communication Disorders/Speech & Language Pathology. Kara is also a member of the women’s soccer team at EOU. The team won the Cascade Collegiate Conference Championship again this year and made it to the Elite 8 Round of the NAIA National Tournament in Alabama.
When asked why this career, Kara explained, “My future career goal is to become a Speech & Language Pathologist in a rehab setting. I have done the MedQuest Program through EOU as well as several job shadows and volunteer hours. I enjoy the wide variety of patients that a Speech & Language Pathologist may work with and helping people regain or maintain their independence and quality of life.”
Kara’s summer plans include taking a couple of classes, working, enjoying the outdoors through boating, hiking, camping and spending time with her family and friends.
And what has Kara learned about herself in the last few months? “I have learned a lot! With the restrictions and stay-at-home order I have definitely learned to not take things for granted, and that sometimes you will have disappointment in your life and things won’t always go the way you want. This time has been a gift in some ways as it forced myself and others to slow down and appreciate the things and people in our lives.”
In closing Kara said she is “appreciative of the scholarship from the Soroptimist’s of La Grande and proud to be connected to an organization that does so much on behalf of women – thank you again.”