You helped Em chart a path back to Willamette

When looking for a college, Em Eide BA’23 didn’t want to have to compete in one of those 300-person lecture halls.

Thanks to you, Em was able to join Willamette’s supportive environment.

“I’m really thankful that graduates take a second to remember the university they attended and be mindful of the students that are still going here,” says Em.

Em’s path at Willamette was not a straight line, complicated by a leave of absence and the pandemic, but coming back in 2021, Em was buoyed by the support of faculty, loved ones, and even the love of a pet cat.

Em’s advisors have both been extremely helpful — and not just with navigating academics. Psychology Professor Mark Stewart “has always been around to help with any questions — even outside of psych. Just how to exist in the world,” Em says. “My other advisor, [Spanish Professor] Maria Blanco-Arnejo, is also an amazing person and kind and compassionate.”

Em gives back to Willamette and the Salem community by volunteering for a mutual aid organization called Free Fridge Salem, which distributes food to a network of fridges around town, and serves as a peer mentor at the College Access Navigators, a support program for students with ADHD and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Em is also working with Professor Stewart on an internship to create an assessment of the program. After graduation, Em hopes to work with neurodivergent individuals before applying for a doctoral degree.

Thank you for helping Em chart a path back to Willamette.

I’m really thankful that graduates take a second to remember the university they attended and be mindful of the students that are still going here.