Isla Challenor

This is a photo of me with my parents!

Degree: BS, Art and Technology

Expected Graduation Date: Spring 2026

2023 Scholarship
Joe and Alona Fischer Scholarship

I Am Originally From Portland, OR

WHY I CAME TO THE UO AND HOW I CHOSE MY MAJOR
UO is close to home, making it a little more affordable. I love Oregon and have lots of connections at UO. The College or Design has been great because of the freedom I get with classes and the variety of mediums I get to work with and learn from.

I’ve always been interested in art but felt that digital art like graphic design could give me more opportunities for future careers. Technology is the future and especially after Covid, it seems we are working towards a digital workspace that I think art & tech can help me fit into.

UNIQUE QUALITIES I BRING TO MY STUDIES
I have a few experiences with selling my art and doing commissions of different sorts. I think this is a slight introduction to the field of art & tech. I also experiment with different mediums and levels of creative practice and have found a lot of inspirations that fuel my work.

MY INFLUENTIAL PROFESSORS
I’ve had a number or great professors. The Graduate student employees (GE) for art studio/labs have been really great too. Tyrus Warren is a terrific lecturer and Adam Desorbo was a really fun GE for my art 115 class.

MY EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
I’ll be joining intramural volleyball teams next year which I’m really excited about. Being on a team is such a fun experience that I didn’t realize I missed until this year. I also plan to get a cinema certificate from UO, which is different from a major/minor, but will allow me to be more involved in the cinema studies here.

MY GREATEST LEARNING EXPERIENCE AT UO
Making connections in classes and talking to professors & GEs is more beneficial than anything for me.

AFTER GRADUATION
I hope I get to find a career that I can work expressively and creatively while being successful and enjoying myself. I think feeling fulfilled in my work is the most important goal.

YOUR GIFT
This scholarship is not only financially supportive but has made me feel more motivated to keep working as hard as possible. I want to be able to take advantage of my education and the facilities the College of Design at UO provides and this award will help me do so.

Your support means a lot and is inspiring and motivating. Thank you!