Elaina Dowdy

This is a photo of me holding a snail I caste in my metalsmithing course. I sculpted it out of wax and caste it with the intention of creating a brooch.

Degree: BS in Art

Graduation Date: Spring 2022

Spring 2022 Scholarship
Terry Melton Andrew Vincent Scholarship

I Am Originally From Tenmile, OR

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
I chose to attend the University of Oregon because many of those who I have always looked up to are alumni. My favorite part about being in the College of Design is the staff. I have been privileged to work with many wonderful professors in a wide variety of mediums, and each has left me with skills and perspectives that I can utilize for a lifetime.

From a very young age, I knew that art was for me. For awhile I was actually pre-med, and academically I did fine, but I needed that creative outlet and returned to my roots before long. Every day I am very grateful for that decision.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I come from a very rural area and have had to pave my own way to higher education without any parental assistance. Between working throughout and generous scholarship donors, I am excited to say that I have been able to make it al the way through.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
My most influential professor has been Shelly McMahon who introduced me to jewelry metalsmithing, and my life hasn’t been the same since. Shelly instilled a love for this craft that was further strengthened by Anya Kivarkis, the head of the jewelry and metalsmithing, and I am confident that I will continue metalwork for many years to come.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
While at UO I have been so invested in my studio courses that I have had very little time for extracurriculars. However, I prioritized attending school events and any other school activities because I believe that being engaged in a community is good for a person.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
My greatest learning experience has been learning to take full advantage of the guidance from my professors. They have a lot to offer, and it can be hard to hear at times, but it is a valuable perspective.

AFTER GRADUATION
I will be attending grad school at Western Oregon to pursue a degree in Art Education. My greatest hope is to become a high school art teacher and give back to my community what was given to me.

YOUR GIFT
As I entered my last term of school, I was struggling financially. I worked two jobs in hopes of making a dent in my tuition, but it is overwhelming. The stress of full time school and two jobs has been very stressful. Receiving this scholarship has improved the quality of my life by giving me the opportunity to breathe a little. To eat, and sleep. It makes a tremendous difference.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart. It means more than I can say. Your act of generosity is a ripple of positivity in my life and will resonate for years to come. Someday I will serve my community with the education that you have helped me receive, and the effects of your kindness will extend even further.