How/Why do you want to change the world?
While there are many issues that plague our country, I would like to focus on the fight against educational and opportunity inequality that stems from years of bad policies that targeted already historically oppressed communities. We owe it to the next generation of students regardless of socioeconomic status to provide them with an education that adequately prepares them to succeed and minimize the gap of opportunities that are distributed amongst our country. Whatever I do throughout my life, I hope to work toward closing the opportunity gap and creating a better sense of equity within our nation.
What are you proud to have been involved with at University of Oregon?
Although I look fondly on my experiences with fraternity and sorority life, I am most proud to have been a part of the history department. During my four years here at Oregon I had many amazing professors, they have pushed me to realize my potential and strive to be the greatest student and duck I could possibly be. The amount of care that the professors have for their students, and the excitement they bring to the classroom everyday has left me feeling grateful and lucky to have been a history student at the University of Oregon. My time in their offices spending hours talking through historical events and how it affects the world today, will forever be my favorite memories as a student.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
My biggest role model is my grandfather Maximilliano Nevarez who I was named after. My grandfather was a Mexican immigrant and a Vietnam veteran.Throughout his young adulthood he experienced and saw things he could never have imagined, and would have turned a lot of men cold or angry toward the world. However my grandfather was one of the most compassionate, and loving humanitarians that I knew in spite of the horrific images he could replay in his head. He always put others before himself and was constantly helping someone with something within hundreds of miles of where he lived. He loved people and he loved helping those in need without ever asking for a thanks. To this day I admire this most about him.
What are your goals after college?
After my undergraduate work, I would like to continue my academic journey as I hope to apply for law school in the upcoming years, and make a positive impact wherever God needs me. As for my immediate goals, I hope to become an effective educator in the city of Baltimore starting this fall through my time with Teach For America. I would like to make a difference within the community of Baltimore in any way I can, and while I believe focusing on becoming an empowering educator is a great first step, I would like to help in any other ways that I can.
