Q&A by Sydney Kiest

Hometown: Marin County, CA

Jae is a sophomore at the University of Oregon. She has been living in Oregon for two years and is embracing the life style of a Pacific North-westerner. 

So, you aren’t originally from Oregon. Where are you originally from, and why did you come here?

My name is Jae Pickman-Thoon, and I was born and raised in the Bay Area, California. I lived in Marin County, just north of San Francisco all my life until I decided to come to Oregon for college. I wanted to get out of state and live somewhere I never had before. I knew right away that the University of Oregon was where I wanted to attend college when I toured campus, and the fact that it was near Portland was perfect because I could see myself ending up there or a similar city after graduation.

What are the cultural differences that you have noticed between here and where you are from?

I have noticed many cultural differences, some of which are hard to put into words. Mainly I have noticed that Oregonians value unique and original, unconventional things. Many people I have met are open, more “down to earth” and “free spirited” people. In addition, many of the Oregonians I have met have never lived outside of Oregon and many have never been outside of the country.

What is an experience that you have had while here in Oregon that you probably wouldn’t have been able to have anywhere else?

Yes, I have experienced things that one could consider an “only in Oregon” experience. Simple answer for this one- voodoo doughnuts. Having been raised in the Bay Area, I consider myself a pretty big foodie. Treats like voodoo are hard to ignore!

What do you think it means to be (or to become) an Oregonian?

I don’t know that I can truly put in words what it means to be an Oregonian. But from my experience, it means to accept and tolerate differences, do your best to live in harmony with those around you, to appreciate the earth and adventure often.