Oregon GEAR UP

Name: Samantha Raines
Hometown: Lincoln City, Oregon
High School: Taft High School
College/University: Oregon State University
Year in school: I'm a first year student but I have junior standing
Major: Exercise Sport Science
Activities Involved in On Campus: Young Life and Greek life 

What is one of the best things about college?
The best thing about college is the community that you automatically belong to. Everyone you go to school with has a common interest with you and most everyone is friendly. 

How has GEAR UP helped you?
College is expensive. Both my parents and I had no money saved up for me to go to college. The scholarship from GEAR UP has helped enormously with the cost of school. In addition, I participated in activities with GEAR UP, one of which was touring different colleges. GEAR UP introduced me to Oregon State University and gave me a head start on how to be a successful college student. 

What are your future career plans?
I plan on going to graduate school for physical therapy and specializing in pediatric physical therapy. I love working with kids so being able to work to help better their life would be a dream come true. In the long run, I'd love to have my own practice. 

What advice do you have for middle and high school students currently in the GEAR UP program?
My advice for middle and high school students: Tour as many colleges as you can and don't just go to get out of school for the day, instead go to see if you fit in at the university; start looking for scholarships, ANY amount will help; nothing is impossible, if you work hard and try hard you can do anything you like; and finally, take middle school and high school seriously because most of the money I received to go to college was because of my good grades and involvement in my community.