They kept saying I wasn’t college material. Discouraged, but still determined I came to Mt. Hood Community College. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting a writing instructor Beth Sammons, who changed my world. She pushed me in ways I had never been pushed and encouraged me like no other instructor has done. She’s one of the reasons I’m standing here today. The second reason is my foundation scholarship. I would not have been able to attend this year without that scholarship. When Beth found out I may not be able to come back because I couldn’t afford it she went above and beyond to help me find scholarships. Without scholarships provided by caring people like you, I would not be on my way to medical school with a 3.8 GPA. Thank you for believing in me.” -Cassie James Class of 2016