nelson_megan
Student, Class of 2026
Program
Hometown
Alturas, California
nelson_megan

Extracurricular Activities

- Student Director for Oregon Tech Campus Activities Board - Member of Christian Fellowship Club - Member of Kappa Xi Alpha Sorority - Intramural Volleyball Player - Student Involvement and Belonging - Leadership and Diversity Scholar

A Little Bit About Me

I grew up just two hours away from Klamath in a small town called Alturas, California. Here at Oregon Tech, I am studying dental hygiene. This has been a career interest of mine since I was in middle school. As a hygienist, I hope to make a difference by providing ways to improve the health of my patients.

Why I Chose Oregon Tech and My Major

I chose Oregon Tech because of the great opportunities for my dental hygiene major. I really appreciated the hands-on learning approach that Oregon Tech provides for their health programs. I also really liked that Oregon Tech has an on-campus dental clinic that serves students. However, I think the most significant reason that I chose Oregon Tech was because of the small-knit community it creates. During my first year, I was able to join many clubs and extracurriculars that led me to create stronger connections on campus. Overall, Oregon Tech was an excellent fit for my educational needs.

My Influential Professors

At Oregon Tech, my most influential professor was Rosalind McClure. Rosalind taught my first class in college, which was general chemistry. As a first-year student, I didn't really understand college life and the lack of structure behind it. No one is forcing you to go to your classes or turn your homework in. You need to stay disciplined and make smart decisions. I really appreciated Rose because she was very patient with me when I didn't understand chemistry. She set clear guidelines while also creating an environment where students felt welcomed and appreciated. Because Rose was my first college professor and helped me with my studies, I think she has made the most significant impact on my time here at Oregon Tech.

My Greatest Learning Experience At Oregon Tech

During my time here at Oregon Tech, I believe that my most significant learning experiences have come from my first year in college. As a first-year college student, it is challenging to keep up with the new pace of your classes and establish a routine that works for you. At times, I became too caught up in extracurriculars when I needed to be focusing on my studies. I learned that staying disciplined with school, while also finding times to take a break and have fun was something that was very beneficial to me. I think that establishing a balance between school, work, and extracurriculars was definitely the most challenging part of being a first-year college student.

My Plans After Graduation

After graduating with my degree in dental hygiene, I plan to live in Oregon and continue my career as a hygienist. I could see myself moving to Bend or Newport, Oregon after graduation.