Candi Rosario

This is a photo of a screen printing project I did to understand layers of the landscape. This project focused on Opportunity Village Eugene and sought to show the challenges of living in an industrial urban location and the opportunities of peace that the villagers created amongst the chaotic surroundings.

Degree: Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2024

2023 Scholarship
Cameron & McCarthy Scholarship for Landscape Architecture

I Am Originally From Kona, Hawaii

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I was initially interested in the University of Oregon for the diverse academic programs available, and a focus on Landscape Architecture with integration of the Planning, Public Policy and Management program into my studies was a great fit for me. I enjoy my department’s commitment to both environmental issues and social justice approaches to design. I have had amazing support from my professors and have been able to explore a variety of niche interests.

The Landscape Architecture department was the perfect match for my interests in science, art and problem solving. I am a non-traditional student and returned to school after a fulfilling career in restaurants and hospitality. My passion for Landscape Architecture is fueled by the foundations of connection and community that I had cultivated in my previous career working in restaurants and feeding our neighborhood.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
Originally from Kona, Hawaii I grew up immersed in the tradition of cultivating relationships between the land, animals and people. Community and personal connections to the land and ocean are celebrated through dance, music, food and crafts imbued in everyday life. My skills and interests are focused on issues surrounding housing and food systems. Since childhood, my commitment to community work and mutual aid has been a driving force in my career and has also allowed me the motivation to return to school to support my community in larger capacities.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
I have had the pleasure of having Professor Jean Yang for multiple classes and have gained so much from their teaching methods. Not only is Jean committed to students as individual learners, but Jean also held unwavering support for each of us through personal struggles. Jean’s classes on social justice issues approached these difficult topics with the greatest sensitivity and thoughtfulness, creating incredible learning environments for her students to grow.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
This term I am not currently involved in sports or student organizations. In past years at the University of Oregon I have participated in the Innovation Fellowship cohort as well as the Overlook Field School. These programs helped to expand my range of work in Landscape Architecture and cultivate design thinking skills with innovative approaches to projects. Outside of school I am pursuing volunteer work with the local Red Cross and often work on personal projects for different community groups. This term I am hoping to commit time to support for displaced victims of the Maui fires.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My greatest learning experience has been the Oregon Sequence with Jean Yang that focused on Opportunity Village Eugene. The classes worked with local community members, government officials, non-profit leaders, and the un-sheltered community. The class created space for deeply thoughtful conversations and students learned directly from the un-sheltered community through trying out various weekly engagement methods.

AFTER GRADUATION
There are many aspects of Landscape Architecture that excite me, but ultimately, I hope to focus my work on climate resilience, and social justice issues surrounding food security and housing. I realize this may look like many different jobs, but what is most important to me is that I am supporting my community to the best of my ability.

YOUR GIFT
Every scholarship I receive is vital to my success at the University of Oregon as a non-traditional student. Funding my education has been a stretch but I am passionate about work on land-use issues and expanding my knowledge to be prepared for complicated wide-scale challenges. This scholarship will help me to fully focus on my degree in the last few terms of schooling. I am extremely grateful for the groups and individuals who donate time and money to the continued growth of our industry and student success.

My deepest thanks to you. The scholarship funding you provide is so important to my personal success and well-being as I finish out my last year of the program. I am forever grateful to donors who see the value in giving back and supporting students to have a positive and balanced learning experience. Thank you for your incredible generosity!