Kristal Jensen is an SILG scholarship recipient, receiving a 2020-2021 High School Scholarship. Kristal is from La Grande and says her biggest support comes from her family, especially her “amazing parents Rick and Lisa Jensen.” Kristal also said that she would not have achieved some of her biggest accomplishments if not for the amazing teaching staff at La Grande High School, as well as her wonderful swim coach of many years,  Darrin Dutto.

This fall Kristal will be attending Grand Canyon University in Phoenix, Arizona,  studying to receive a bachelors degree in Athletic Training. Ultimately Kristal would like to continue her education after completing the undergraduate degree to become a Physical Therapist. When asked why this career, Kristal said, “I am passionate about this career path because I have firsthand experience of how these professionals can help change people’s lives as well as helping them through tough times and painful injuries.”

This summer Kristal will be working as a caregiver at a local adult foster home as well as working at the local pool when it finally reopens. In her free time she plans on hitting the gym with friends, going hiking, hanging out at the lakes and rivers and spending lots of time with family and friends before leaving to go to college.

What has Kristal learned in the last few months? “Amidst our current global pandemic and the many stay-at-home orders we’ve received, I’ve learned how much of a true extrovert I am. I cannot wait until it’s safe once again to go out and see whomever you want and to give those you care about big hugs! I’ve also learned that I can exercise in ways other them swimming and lifting. Since the pools and gyms have closed down, I have resorted to riding my bike as well as teaching myself how to skateboard!”

In closing, Kristal would like to say that she is “so honored to be chosen as a recipient of the Soroptimist International of La Grande scholarship.”