Student Profile: Eden Donato
Hometown: McMinnville, OR
Institution: Linfield College
Major: Psychology
Year: Sophomore
Eden Donato made the decision to transfer to Linfield his sophomore year because of its competitive programs and career orientation. He has made his education a priority and works two jobs to ensure his ability to finish his psychology degree. In high school he took advantage of the GEAR UP program and college preparedness resources offered by the career services office. He also participated in an internship at a local hospital and earned his CNA at Chemeteka Community College.
Eden and his sibling have been raised and encouraged by their single mother. While she has supported them in their dreams to pursue higher education she has also struggled with the financial burden of doing so. Eden also has a brother in college. His enrollment in the MESA program has made a phenomenal difference as it will help to cover basic college expenses and alleviate some of the financial stress his mother is bearing. The program will also give him the ability to quite one of his jobs and place additional focus on his studies.
“I won’t be able to continue on with two jobs in the long run. With the savings match program I’ll be able to spend more time on my education. That’s the reason I am here, and now I feel confident that I can stay here.”