Five students, including two from SOU, honored for significant scholarships

By Holly Dillemuth, Ashland.news

Five Southern Oregon-based women were honored as scholarship recipients of American Association of University Women (AAUW) on Wednesday at Southern Oregon University, during the branch’s annual “Celebration of Scholars,” which included three students from SOU and two from Rogue Community College.

The following students were honored:

• Garima Sharma, a senior and SOU trustee, recipient of the Lang Family Scholarship

• Tiana Gilliland, a senior and student body president of Associated Students of SOU (ASSOU), recipient of the Wolf-Pizor Family Scholarship

• Taylor Moody, an SOU graduate student, recipient of the Judy Yin Shih Scholarship

• Kriston Parker, an RCC student, was awarded an AAUW scholarship

• Randi Kearney, an RCC student, was awarded an AAUW scholarship

Students were awarded a total $30,350 in scholarship funds, according to AAUW scholarship officials.

“There’s all kinds of ways to complete your education and the women here in this room (who) have been (scholarship) recipients have done that,” said Regina Ayars, co-president of the American Association of University Women Ashland Branch, to the onlooking crowd. “Each woman here this evening has had a special journey – We’re all fortunate to be in the room with them, participating and acknowledging the journeys and stories that they have had in order to reach this goal that they had set for themselves.

“They have shown that they can overcome many differences in their life’s journey in order to succeed and they look forward to a future of hope,” she added.

Sharma, originally from India, is among those with such a story. Sharma moved to the United States when she was a young teen.

Sharma is now a senior at SOU studying pre-nursing and healthcare administration. As a freshman, Sharma said she kept to herself at first. She credits mentor Marvin Woodard, who serves as Coordinator for Racial Justice, with helping open doors for her future, including encouraging her to become the president of the Black Student Union (BSU) on campus.

Sharma noted she didn’t think she could do it because she is not Black, but said Woodard told her, “I believe in you — You can do this.”

“It was the first time someone looked at me, not at what I lacked, not at the challenges I faced, but at what I could be,” Sharma said. “Because of this belief in me, I accepted the role. That decision was a turning point, not just in my time at SOU, but in my life.”

Woodard went on to introduce Sharma to others on campus, including those in leadership roles, which she believes led to her becoming a student trustee on the SOU Board of Trustees. Sharma has also participated in student government for four years.

Sharma also credits Woodard with helping her to navigate a pivotal personal decision.

Due to the culture in India, her parents wanted Sharma to have an arranged marriage, which she described as “one of the hardest personal challenges of my life.”

Instead, she set her sights on pursuing an education. She is an intern for Mercy Flights and has plans to pursue a career as a flight nurse in the U.S. Air Force.

“(Woodard) stood by me, helping me find my voice when I couldn’t find it on my own,” Sharma said.

Sharma also expressed gratitude as recipient of the Lang Family Scholarship.

“This scholarship means more than just financial assistance,” Sharma said. “It has given me the chance to pursue my dreams, grow as a leader and be part of a community that sees my potential.”

Tiana Gilliland, a senior and student body president of Associated Students of SOU (ASSOU), is a first-generation student and is a member of the Shasta Indian Nation, with ancestry in the Powhatan, Cherokee, and Blackfoot Tribes. She is a student of the SOU Honors College and a recipient of the Wolf-Pizor Family Scholarship.

Gilliland found out about her heritage after coming to SOU, and said during her time as a student, she’s become involved in the Native American Student Union as well as Native American activities on campus.  She currently serves as treasurer of NASU. She has also held the title of Tribal Nations Honors Scholar.

Gilliland is studying healthcare administration and business administration with minors in health promotion and ethics. She studied philosophy abroad at the University of Nottingham in the United Kingdom. Her plan includes completing a master’s degree in healthcare administration.

“It means a lot to me that you all believe in me,” Gilliland said. “It’s really going to help me towards paying for my education because, without this type of financial support, it wouldn’t be possible.”

Taylor Moody, a graduate student of SOU’s Clinical Mental Health Counseling Master’s Program, was also honored as a recipient of the Judy Yin Shih Scholarship.

Moody, who describes herself as being mixed race and a first-generation college student, is also a single mother. Her daughters were both in attendance to watch their mom, who is aiming to become a licensed professional counselor, share her story.

Leading up to her scholarship award, Moody recalled many early mornings, moments of doubt, and uncertainty regarding her path forward.

“However, my unwavering belief in the power of education and the desire to create a better future for my children has really kept me going,” Moody said. “This scholarship is a reminder that my efforts are recognized and that means a lot.”

“Your support will not only ease some of the financial burden, but also empower me to focus on my studies and achieve my academic goals.”

Moody took a moment to thank her parents, who were often on hand to watch her two daughters while she was busy with school or work.

“This all wouldn’t be possible without you two, so thank you,” she added.

Moody just started an internship with the Jackson County Mental Health Mobile Crisis Team.

“I’m loving it,” she said. “I just can’t believe that I have eight months left of my master’s program. It feels really unreal, but I’m overjoyed in this moment.”

Moody said the purpose of her whole journey is to show her daughters that they can do anything they set their minds toward.

“To my fellow students and single parents … let this be a reminder that no matter how tough the journey may seem, perseverance and dedication can lead to remarkable achievements,” Moody said.

SOU President Rick Bailey, who was unable to attend the event in person, shared a pre-recorded video with remarks of gratitude with AAUW and scholarship recipients.

Email Ashland.news reporter Holly Dillemuth at [email protected].

Oct. 20: Added the total dollar amount of scholarships awarded.

Oct. 21: Corrected name of Shasta Indian Nation.