April 20, 2023 10:30 a.m.
Three Umpqua Community College students have been selected to participate in the All-Oregon Academic Team.
A UCC release said each year the Oregon Community College Association nominates a limited number of students from community colleges across the state to take part, and highlight their outstanding academic achievements, leadership and community service.
Among the 52 selected students, three of UCC’s Phi Theta Kappa were chosen: Rachel Arceo of Eugene, Amy Murry of Winston and Jalee Chandler of Roseburg.
*Rachel Arceo is a first-generation American and a first-generation college student looking to pursue a career in mental health and psychology. Arceo said, “Through my journey of coping and healing through Lupus, I learned a lot about the body-mind connection which instilled in me a deep belief that a healthy body begins with a healthy mind. Achieving mental health became a passion of mine and one I plan to share with others through work as a therapist”.
*Amy Murry is a Human Service major and first-generation college student who is studying to become a drug and alcohol counselor. Murry said, “I have battled bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD and drug addiction most of my life. I want to become a drug and alcohol counselor to help others going through similar situations. With my history, I will be able to connect with those I am helping on a level that others may not be able to”.
*Jalee Chandler is a dual credit high school student graduating in June who will continue pursuing an EMT certificate and a paramedicine degree. Chandler said, “One of the greatest things I have overcome in my own life has been fear. If you allow fear or doubt to infiltrate, it will affect every part of your life. Perseverance and optimism were used during this time in my life, and I’ve decided to go for my dream of becoming a paramedic and not let fear or doubt make that choice for me”.
To honor and highlight their achievements, the selected students will attend the AOAT luncheon and ceremony held on Friday at Chemeketa Community College. Oregon Secretary of State, Shemia Fagan, will serve as the keynote speaker. Three of the students will also speak, including UCC’s Rachel Arceo. She is a senior reporter for the student newspaper.