Now in his third year at Portland State University, Ryan reflects on how far he’s come since joining College Possible in high school. Through mentorship and dedication, Ryan has grown into a confident leader in his community and fueled his passion for working with numbers. In his own words, Ryan shares with us the experiences that have shaped his college experience thus far.
Growing up in Southeast Portland, I often heard the word “college,” but I didn’t truly understand what it meant. To me, it just seemed like an expensive step after high school. While the idea of college was always in the back of my mind, the thought of paying for it or even pursuing it felt overwhelming.
My mindset began to shift during my junior year of high school when I came across College Possible. I joined the program with the hope of finding a path to college that suited me. Through workshops, presentations and activities, my coach helped me prepare for my future. They were right by my side as I prepared for the ACT, applied to colleges and planned for my future major.
After reviewing my financial aid options, I decided that Portland State University (PSU) was the best fit for me. The PSU Tuition-Free Degree, along with scholarships I received, covered most of my academic expenses. I was also able to transfer dual credits I earned from Mt. Hood Community College while in high school, which moved me up to sophomore standing with an accelerated degree. Together, these opportunities made college far more affordable than I thought it would ever be.
As I head into my third year at PSU, I am halfway through my degree in accounting and finance. Numbers have intrigued me ever since I was a kid, and I love researching how the economy works. Pursuing a career in accounting feels like the right choice for me, and I hope to deepen my understanding of the stock market while building the skills to grow my own wealth.
So far, I’ve gained valuable experiences in college that continue to shape me. I work as a member services assistant at the campus recreation center, where I’ve developed transferable skills that have strengthened my confidence as a professional. I also serve as a coordinator for FLASH, a program that connects first-year students with on campus job opportunities. As a College Possible student myself, I know how impactful this type of mentorship can be and I want to extend that same encouragement to others.
The mentorship I have received through College Possible is the reason I remain involved with the program to this day. My coaches have supported me through classes, personal matters and in my career development. Their guidance has been transformative, opening doors to opportunities and resources I would have never discovered without this program.
At one point, I was unfamiliar with the impact of a college education. Now that I’ve experienced it, I see that it is a huge stepping stone not only for me, but also for my family. I am able to share everything I learn in the classroom with my family back home. Education has always been an asset in my life, and I’m truly grateful that I’ve been able to access and embrace it.
