Josie Bornstedt is an SILG scholarship recipient, receiving a 2020-2021 High School Scholarship. Josie was born and raised in La Grande,  and would like to recognize her amazing family who have shown endless love and support throughout Josie’s life. Josie said “They hold a very special place in my heart.”

As a La Grande High School graduate of the class of 2020, Josie graduated with honors and also completed an art pathway. She is excited to be attending Eastern Oregon University in the fall and “knows that many doors and opportunities will be opened to me and I am ready to embrace all of it!”

When asked about her future educational path and career, Josie responded with: “I am very passionate about graphic design. While attending EOU I’ll be majoring in Art and seeking other internships and opportunities to help me develop the necessary skills to be a graphic designer. I want to pursue graphic design because of the impact I know it can make on my community and beyond. Art speaks to people in many different ways and there is a growing demand for graphic designers. Also, I’m interested in this occupation because of the variety and flexibility this field can offer me.”

This summer Josie will be working in the kitchen at Embers Brewhouse & Pub in Joseph, Oregon, also spending time outdoors rafting, hiking, paddle-boarding, seeing loved ones, friends, and riding horses.

What has Josie learned about herself in recent months?  “I’ve learned that I care about people so much and miss gathering as a community. I believe that my heart is being shaped during this time to be more present in the moment, more grateful, and living the life the way I was created to live- full of love and purpose.”

In closing, Josie is extremely grateful to receive this SILG scholarship and said “the community of Union County has and always will be very special to me. The phenomenal support, generosity, and kindness is inspiring to me and I’m looking forward to continuing my education at Eastern Oregon University!”