Honors Scholarships

About

Emma Crownhart came to Eastern with a desire to serve others. She has demonstrated that mission, in part, having given of her time to volunteer for Providence at Sacred Heart Hospital in Spokane as a patient transporter. As a volunteer on the transport team, she assisted in transferring patients to and from procedures, as well as assisting patients in their discharge process. As Emma expressed, “It was such a great experience because, while I was getting an up-close look at the medical environment, I was able to interact with so many different people; I encountered the people that make up our community, got a glimpse at the life they held dear, and was able to help them on their road to recovery in a small way.”

Emma’s shared experience with her volunteer opportunity represents the vision of EWU. As she expressed further, “Here at Eastern I am currently exploring the majors in the College of Health Science, taking the Anatomy and Physiology series that many of the Health Sciences require. I know from my experience as a Providence volunteer that the medical field interests me, and so I am headed down that path. Being a part of the Honors program, I am encouraged to become involved in our community. I look forward to the growth opportunities that will come with any and all community engagement[opportunities].

When asked whether she had overcome any challenges she had overcome along the way that might have provided an opportunity to give up, she explains that she was able to persevere through them, Emma shared, “A challenge that I am faced with is the fact that I have not decided on a specific career path. Despite my uncertainty, I do not want to succumb to the fear of not finding my path. I want to take it baby step by baby step, and better myself in the process. I am glad to be a part of the Honors program because as an honors student I am pushed to grow as a person by reaching out to others and engaging in my community. Whatever path ends up being the one I am meant to follow; I want serving others to be a major part of it.”

About

“When I graduate with a bachelor’s in psychology, I am going to use it to help people.” Andrew Dugas, one of just three EWU 2024 Killin scholars, expresses his life’s goal in working towards his degree in psychology at EWU.
Andrew explains that there are numerous pathways available to a psychology major, which he will be exploring. “I do not currently know which exact field I will pursue, as most jobs that utilize psychology interest me, so I have been experimenting and exploring opportunities to observe different avenues. I recently volunteered for the Stem4Good program by WABS in which I spent 4 afternoons with Finch Elementary School’s stem club, teaching them about catapults, trebuchets, and teamwork. “This has opened me to the idea of working with children, as seeing them interested in science and feeling comfortable and happy in our learning environment has been a wonder to me”
Andrew shares his belief that the best and most enjoyable way he could do this are through counseling and psychotherapy, as well as music. “My time on my old church’s worship team has provided me with extensive opportunity to explore my passion in music, though I am yet to find a similar opportunity for psychology, and I will thus keep my eyes open and attentive.”

One large obstacle in his recent years has been moving to Washington from Louisiana. “Leaving almost everyone I know and love behind in search of a happier, more opportune future was terrifying, and I often contemplated changing my mind. However, as I opened my mind to a future within the control of my ambition and my faith, I was able to push through this worry and step into the unknown. Now I am happy, comfortable, and ready to pursue my dreams and help people.”

About

Josie Erjavec came to Eastern from Hillsboro, OR, to pursue a degree in Psychology and Spanish, with the goal of eventually working as a forensic psychologist specializing in treating individuals with severe mental health disorders within the criminal justice system. In her words, “My. degree in Spanish will enable me to better assist incarcerated individuals whose first language is Spanish or who prefer Spanish over English. Although I am currently unable to volunteer in forensic psychology, I have continued my work with animals by volunteering for the Spokane Humane Society’s Canine Crew at least once a week.”

Before attending EWU, Josie volunteered as the executive assistant for her high school’s clothing closet, coordinating the provision of clothing to underprivileged members of her community. She also states that she gained valuable experience assisting in a 6th-grade ELD classroom at a high-dropout-rate school. In additional, she was able to work with the AMT Girl Scout Day camp, advancing from Program Aid to Adult Leader last summer.
Josie shares that “volunteering with underserved groups at Lincoln Street Elementary School and Glencoe High School solidified my desire to continue working with marginalized communities”.

In addition to her volunteer work Josie was also heavily involved in Glencoe’s FIRST Robotics team, Shockwave, as their captain and lead programmer. She earned a semi-finalist award for the FIRST Dean’s List for her contributions.

Josie developed a passion for psychology beginning in high school, while enrolled in her AP Psychology class, as she became fascinated by the human mind and behavior. Josie goes on to say that her interest has only grown stronger during her time at EWU, where, as she says that “my courses have deepened my understanding of the psychological processes behind human behavior. While my academic journey fuels my passion for psychology, my personal interests also offer unique ways to explore human behavior and creativity”.

Josie further explains that her most significant challenge has been coping with her anxiety disorder. As Josie goes on to share that upon being diagnosed before he sophomore year of high school, she has worked to balance her responsibilities while adjusting to medications and other treatments. “Maintaining my routine has helped me persevere through difficult weeks. Managing my anxiety has not only strengthened my resilience but also deepened my empathy for others facing mental health challenges, further aligning with my goals in psychology.”