Aug 19, 2021 | Curry Campus, News
Anna Waycott credits anthropology and sociology instructor Skip Hunter for inspiring her to pursue a career in social work. She worked, and volunteered, in the field while she attended Southwestern, and even challenged herself by teaching elementary school in Tanzania, Africa.
Why pursue social work? Anna enjoys trying to figure out what makes people “tick”: what determines whether people are friendly or selfish? Why do some people turn to drugs or crime? Anna’s goal is not only to find these answers, but to be there for people who are experiencing life in challenging ways. Through her own personal journey of dealing with struggles and loss, Anna realized she has the capability and willingness to help others.
Earning her Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree in 2013 at Southwestern opened doors and prepared her to go on to obtain a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Science from Oregon State University. Anna’s academic goal is to pursue a Master’s of Social Work degree at Boise State University, and ultimately become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
Summing up her experience at Southwestern, Anna says “SWOCC was such a supportive environment. Whether you’re getting a transfer degree, want to pursue nursing, or something else in particular, or you just want to take classes for personal enjoyment, the staff and instructors will root for you without a doubt. Even if you’re not sure where you’re going or what your career options are, taking classes at the Curry Campus is an absolute step in the right direction. SWOCC is a place where you can be creative, learn new things, and work toward your goals!”
Dec 19, 2019 | Curry Campus, News
Festival of Lights to benefit students attending college’s Curry Campus
Brookings, OR – Nature’s Coastal Holiday, a nonprofit bringing the spirit of giving to the community through their Festival of Lights holiday light display in Azalea Park, is partnering with the Southwestern Oregon Community College Foundation to offer three scholarships for students attending the Curry Campus in Brookings, Oregon. These scholarships will help students with volunteerism and involvement in the community.
“Many people don’t realize this is a completely volunteer coordinated and staffed holiday lights event—our community is the powerhouse behind the amazing display,” said Klaus Gielish, Board President of Nature’s Coastal Holiday. “The goal with this ambassador scholarship is to encourage that same ripple effect of volunteering.”
Students can apply for the Nature’s Coastal Holiday Ambassador Scholarship and many others offered through the Southwestern Foundation starting January 1, 2020, by completing an application online at www.socc.edu/scholarships. Applications are due March 1, 2020.
Applicants must simply attend Southwestern’s Curry Campus in the upcoming 2020-21 academic year and plan to take at least six credits. In the same spirit of what Nature’s Coastal Holiday stands for, recipients must demonstrate community involvement/leadership, and be willing to volunteer at least 10 hours with the organization.
“The Festival of Lights offers the scholarship winners a wonderful way to meet members of our community and experience, first-hand, the impact this event has on the community,” added Klaus.
The annual lights event began with a mere 22,000 lights in 1997 and has grown to more than 2 million dazzling lights, bringing more than 20,000 visitors to the Brookings-Harbor community each year. “As we approach this season of giving, I can think of nothing more impactful than the gift of education,” said Doug Bunn, Executive Dean of Southwestern’s Curry Campus. “These scholarships will have a profound impact on our students and our local community. It’s truly a win-win.”
