Stacy Michaelson, CLASS Project Assistant

 

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Who was your mentor growing up?

I have been fortunate to have my life touched by a number of inspiration individuals. My grandfather has been one of the biggest influences in my life; he is an avid reader and a lifelong learner and fostered my love of learning from a very early age. My high school science teacher, Mr. Matheson, encouraged my interest in politics and foreign affairs. My advisor at Willamette University, Prof. Melissa Buis Michaux, opened up a whole new world to me, inspiring an interest in feminist studies and a love of academic research. Finally--the strongest woman I know--my mother has been my rock through everything and has given me a wonderful example to live up to.

What do you love most about Oregon?

I love the geographic diversity. From the coast and the Willamette Valley to the farm fields and sagebrush of Eastern Oregon, I can't think of any part of our state that isn't breathtaking. We also have nearly every type of biome and whenever I travel, I see something that reminds of home. During my semester abroad in college, I found myself in Morocco with a French woman who had studied at OSU many years ago. As I mused that the mountain range we were touring looked like Oregon, she agreed, saying, "I've never been anywhere else that literally looks like everywhere else in the world." I'm also quite partial to the changing colors along Hwy 58 in the fall.

What do you like most about working on the Chalkboard team?

Working with such passionate colleagues for such a good cause! For as long as I can remember, I've been interested in education policy. My passion was sparked by my experiences growing up in a rural community and attending small schools, seeing the inequality that exists within our educational system. I am thrilled to have joined a team of individuals who are so committed to improving education in Oregon!