Name: Samantha Kuk
Hometown: Lincoln City, OR
High School: Taft High School
College: University of Oregon
Year in school: Freshman
Major: Cinema Studies

What is one of the best things about college?
So many places both on campus and off campus have late night hours of operation perfectly tailored to the college kid. Have you ever wanted a calzone at three in the morning? Because in Eugene, you can do that.

How has GEAR UP helped you?
In the background, GEAR UP has always been a part of my high school experience. Even if some of the events and help take a more background approach, I feel that GEAR UP has always been there for me in one way or another. Directly, I've had two major experiences with the program that have helped me become who I am today. In the 8th grade, I actually had a GEAR UP class specifically designed for learning about education options postsecondary school. We also went over practical everyday adult ideas, like balancing a checkbook. I think that class, way back when, helped guide me to become a better, more responsible person. GEAR UP has also gifted me with a 2,500 dollar scholarship, simply for going to college. And what's not to like about that?

What are your future career plans?
I plan to pair a BA in cinema studies with a minor in creative writing and go into screenwriting!