Honors Scholarships

About

For Aidan, education isn’t just about preparing for a career—it’s about the joy of learning itself. A computer science major, he describes his academic journey as “education for education’s sake.” While many pursue degrees with a specific career in mind, Aidan is motivated by curiosity and the satisfaction of gaining knowledge that can be applied in unexpected ways.

“I think the main reason I am pursuing my degree in computer science is solely because I like learning about computer science and the little things you learn with it,” he explained. “Even if I don’t end up working in the field, I’ll always carry that knowledge with me.”

Outside the classroom, Aidan dedicates time to community service, particularly through efforts focused on food security. He has volunteered with Second Harvest and Jewel’s Helping Hands, helping to prepare and deliver meals to those in need. But for Aidan, it’s not about recognition.

“I don’t do it because people are in need, or because it makes me feel better—I just like helping,” he shared. “I like people, not their circumstances.”

Although still exploring what passion might look like long-term, Aidan sees computer science as a meaningful path. He has taken classes, attended boot camps, and worked on personal projects to improve his skills, all while acknowledging the cycle of challenges and burnout that can come with the process.

His journey hasn’t been without obstacles. In high school, Aidan faced a benign hip tumor that caused severe pain and limited mobility. Everyday activities like walking, climbing stairs, and exercising became struggles. A dedicated athlete at the time, he felt frustrated and ashamed of the physical setbacks. But instead of giving up, he adapted. He shifted his focus to exercises that didn’t involve his legs, allowing him to build strength and resilience until after surgery and recovery, when he was able to return to full training.

“That experience taught me that even with major setbacks, you can still keep moving forward,” he reflected.

With a thoughtful perspective, a commitment to service, and an unshakable determination, Aidan is making the most of his EWU experience—proving that passion doesn’t always mean having everything figured out, but rather embracing learning and growth along the way.

About

Sarah is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing with the long-term goal of becoming a nurse practitioner. For now, her focus is on building a strong foundation as a registered nurse, gaining hands-on experience, and discovering which area of healthcare sparks the most passion.

“I think it’s crucial to take the knowledge you gain through higher education and apply it in the real world to solidify your learning,” she shared.

Service has been an important part of Sarah’s journey. Since middle school, she’s been an active volunteer with Second Harvest, a commitment she hopes to continue for years to come. Looking ahead, she’s also eager to expand her volunteer work into healthcare-related opportunities.

Connection and community are central to her motivation. A decade of participation in the Cheney Orchestra program taught Sarah the value of meaningful relationships, and it’s that same love of connection that drives her passion for nursing.

“No matter where you go in life, what career or lifestyle you pursue, bonds with those around you will always be what supports you along the way,” she explained.

Her path hasn’t been without challenges. Diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and depression at the start of high school, Sarah has faced difficult years of treatment, counseling, and perseverance.

“I feel incredibly proud of myself to have kept fighting for my future despite my mental health,” she said. “Once I realized this was just another part of me that I needed to accept and nurture, I started to learn and get a handle on the tools needed to manage it.”

Through resilience, determination, and a passion for caring for others, Sarah is charting a meaningful path forward in healthcare—one that combines professional ambition with a deep commitment to connection and service.

About

Charlie Silva is pursuing a degree in pre-medicine through the College of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. With interests in both veterinary and human medicine, she plans to use her education as a foundation for graduate school and eventually return to Hawai’i or another medically underserved community to help address the shortage of healthcare providers.

Charlie’s preparation for a career in medicine began long before she arrived at EWU. She interned at the Hilo Veterinary Clinic, where she shadowed veterinarians, observed diagnostic procedures, and assisted with hands-on patient care.

She also volunteered with the Hawai’i Island Humane Society and participated in her high school’s Health Services Academy, where she earned certifications in CPR, OSHA Healthcare, and HIPAA compliance. These experiences gave her a strong foundation in patient care, professionalism, and the importance of community health.

Outside of academics and healthcare, Charlie has found joy and growth through soccer. She has not only played competitively but also mentored youth athletes as a coach, developing leadership, communication, and teamwork skills that will serve her well in her future career.

Her journey at EWU has already brought challenges and lessons in resilience. During her first week as a collegiate soccer player, Charlie faced the demanding Beep Test: a rigorous fitness requirement for earning a spot on the field. After falling short of the required score, she struggled with self-doubt but refused to give up. Through early morning workouts, persistence, and mental preparation, she eventually succeeded.

“Achieving this goal took every ounce of mental strength and perseverance,” she reflected. “It taught me the dangers of self-doubt and the importance of persistence, adaptability, and setting goals to overcome obstacles. I found that challenges can always become opportunities to grow, and that with dedication and grit, I can rise to meet high expectations—lessons I now carry into both athletics and academics at EWU.”

Grounded in her values of community, service, and determination, Charlie is charting a path that combines science, healthcare, and mentorship. Whether through veterinary medicine, pathology, or another branch of healthcare, she hopes to make a lasting impact by caring for others and giving back to the communities that shaped her.

About

Emma Crownhart came to Eastern with a desire to serve others. She has demonstrated that mission, in part, having given of her time to volunteer for Providence at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane as a patient transporter. As a volunteer on the transport team, she assisted in transferring patients to and from procedures, as well as assisting patients in their discharge process. As Emma expressed, “It was such a great experience because, while I was getting an up-close look at the medical environment, I was able to interact with so many different people; I encountered the people that make up our community, got a glimpse at the life they held dear, and was able to help them on their road to recovery in a small way.”

Emma’s shared experience with her volunteer opportunity represents the vision of EWU. As she expressed further, “Here at Eastern I am currently exploring the majors in the College of Health Science, taking the Anatomy and Physiology series that many of the Health Sciences require. I know from my experience as a Providence volunteer that the medical field interests me, and so I am headed down that path. Being a part of the Honors program, I am encouraged to become involved in our community. I look forward to the growth opportunities that will come with any and all community engagement[opportunities].

When asked whether she had overcome any challenges she had overcome along the way that might have provided an opportunity to give up, she explains that she was able to persevere through them, Emma shared, “A challenge that I am faced with is the fact that I have not decided on a specific career path. Despite my uncertainty, I do not want to succumb to the fear of not finding my path. I want to take it baby step by baby step, and better myself in the process. I am glad to be a part of the Honors program because as an honors student I am pushed to grow as a person by reaching out to others and engaging in my community. Whatever path ends up being the one I am meant to follow; I want serving others to be a major part of it.”

About

“When I graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology, I am going to use it to help people.” Andrew Dugas, one of just three EWU 2024 Killin scholars, expresses his life’s goal in working towards his degree in psychology at EWU.
Andrew explains that there are numerous pathways available to a psychology major, which he will be exploring. “I do not currently know which exact field I will pursue, as most jobs that utilize psychology interest me, so I have been experimenting and exploring opportunities to observe different avenues. I recently volunteered for the Stem4Good program by WABS in which I spent 4 afternoons with Finch Elementary School’s stem club, teaching them about catapults, trebuchets, and teamwork. “This has opened me to the idea of working with children, as seeing them interested in science and feeling comfortable and happy in our learning environment has been a wonder to me”
Andrew shares his belief that the best and most enjoyable way he could do this are through counseling and psychotherapy, as well as music. “My time on my old church’s worship team has provided me with extensive opportunity to explore my passion in music, though I am yet to find a similar opportunity for psychology, and I will thus keep my eyes open and attentive.”

One large obstacle in his recent years has been moving to Washington from Louisiana. “Leaving almost everyone I know and love behind in search of a happier, more opportune future was terrifying, and I often contemplated changing my mind. However, as I opened my mind to a future within the control of my ambition and my faith, I was able to push through this worry and step into the unknown. Now I am happy, comfortable, and ready to pursue my dreams and help people.”

About

Josie Erjavec came to Eastern from Hillsboro, OR, to pursue a degree in Psychology and Spanish, with the goal of eventually working as a forensic psychologist specializing in treating individuals with severe mental health disorders within the criminal justice system. In her words, “My. degree in Spanish will enable me to better assist incarcerated individuals whose first language is Spanish or who prefer Spanish over English. Although I am currently unable to volunteer in forensic psychology, I have continued my work with animals by volunteering for the Spokane Humane Society’s Canine Crew at least once a week.”

Before attending EWU, Josie volunteered as the executive assistant for her high school’s clothing closet, coordinating the provision of clothing to underprivileged members of her community. She also states that she gained valuable experience assisting in a 6th-grade ELD classroom at a high-dropout-rate school. In additional, she was able to work with the AMT Girl Scout Day camp, advancing from Program Aid to Adult Leader last summer.
Josie shares that “volunteering with underserved groups at Lincoln Street Elementary School and Glencoe High School solidified my desire to continue working with marginalized communities”.

In addition to her volunteer work Josie was also heavily involved in Glencoe’s FIRST Robotics team, Shockwave, as their captain and lead programmer. She earned a semi-finalist award for the FIRST Dean’s List for her contributions.

Josie developed a passion for psychology beginning in high school, while enrolled in her AP Psychology class, as she became fascinated by the human mind and behavior. Josie goes on to say that her interest has only grown stronger during her time at EWU, where, as she says that “my courses have deepened my understanding of the psychological processes behind human behavior. While my academic journey fuels my passion for psychology, my personal interests also offer unique ways to explore human behavior and creativity”.

Josie further explains that her most significant challenge has been coping with her anxiety disorder. As Josie goes on to share that upon being diagnosed before he sophomore year of high school, she has worked to balance her responsibilities while adjusting to medications and other treatments. “Maintaining my routine has helped me persevere through difficult weeks. Managing my anxiety has not only strengthened my resilience but also deepened my empathy for others facing mental health challenges, further aligning with my goals in psychology.”