Joann Zhang

 

 

I'd first like to first thank my family. Family, thank you for supporting me in chasing my goals and more importantly, making my meals so I had something to eat back in Corvallis (mom and Tory). Judy and I really appreciated it. And to my brothers, thank you for always taking care of me, challenging me and listening to me when I talk out of control. Judy, thank you for living with me, getting things for me when I was too lazy to get up and making me food/bake goods. I’ll miss our Grey’s nights and me coming home to tell you the play-by-play on my day.

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To my friends, I’m sorry to cut down on our hangout time. No more late night readings, no more papers, and no more projects!  I am officially done with school, we can hang out again! Thank you for always listening to me and providing me guidance whenever I was uncertain about my goals and future.

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To my cohort, it has been a wild ride. I already miss you all and can’t wait to see where we all end up. Thank you for challenging me, sharing your experiences with me and encouraging me to open up and share.

 

Special thanks to Freddy. Freddy, you don’t even know! You don’t even know how much you guided me through this process. My graduate school experience would not have been the same without you. I am so thankful I sat next to you during our first day of class in Student Development Theory I. I am so thankful for ALL of our one-on-one debriefs, reflections, and conversations. Thank you for taking my late night calls and helping me process everything.

You made me more knowledgeable and aware of things that I would not have known otherwise, thank you.

 

To Melissa Yamamoto, thank you for being my advisor and having such a positive attitude every time I see you! I often came to you full of questions and needed guidance. You always delivered. Thank you for encouraging me during our Emerging Leaders course and challenging me to step outside of my comfort zone.

 

To Reagan Le, it has been 7 years since I met you back in 2010! Thank you for supporting me then and supporting me now. I don’t remember how our paths crossed at UO but I am so thankful it did and did again at OSU. You have taught me so much about my identity, what social justice means and how to engage in difficult conversations. The guidance you have given me will be something I will take with me in my future.

 

To Larry Roper, it has been a true pleasure getting to know you and working with you. You have been such a great support over these last two years. I can’t wait to continue to pick your brain over things that go over my head. You are always so positive, even when you tease me. I appreciate your friendship and mentorship.

 

To Gildha and my family at Honors, thank you for providing me the opportunity to learn from you. I could see such a huge difference in my confidence between my first year and second year, and it was partly due to all your guidance and support. 

 

To my MHCC family, thank you for supporting my decision to pursue graduate school. I don't think I would have had the courage to do so without you all! You provided my first professional experience, which I will be forever grateful for. Thank you for taking a chance on me and providing me numerous opportunties.