Major Explorer Demie Shiferaw

Hometown: Portland, Oregon

Majors: Family and human services, International studies

Being undecided about a major: I was a little uncomfortable coming in undeclared – I thought everyone started college already knowing their major. I needed someone to tell me that it’s okay not to have a major right away, propose different classes I could take, and truly calm me down. It was Linda Liu [at the UO Office of Multicultural Academic Success] who revived me. She advised me on the importance of taking classes that fulfill requirements while searching for that perfect major.

Choosing a major: I registered for Education 111 and International Studies 204. I have always been interested in politics, global issues, cultures, capitalism, inequalities, but never really considered these as areas for careers. The professors who taught my education and international studies classes did so with undeniable passion. When you get to college, there are professors who just capture the passion in you, and the professors in those classes just had me glued into the idea of looking into these majors.

Greatest achievement at the UO: Watching myself turn into a more independent woman. Not being afraid to explore, meet new people, and challenge myself with new academic perspectives.

Whom I admire most on campus: Gail Unruh from the McNair Scholars Program.

Advice for incoming freshmen: Be open-minded–don’t be set in stone. Allow yourself to change, and expect yourself to change. Don’t be afraid to speak up, meet new people, ask questions, and talk with your professors.