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It is always great to hear from our past scholarship recipients. Here is an update from 2019 Chelan High School graduate Gabi Navarro, who received a ShineOn Scholarship award.
I want to reach out to Rotary to update everyone on my college career so far! Heading into my senior year this fall, it is crazy to think about how quick the last three years have gone by. Despite the ups and downs COVID-19 brought us, Gonzaga has become like a second home to me, and I cannot think of a better place for me to be.
I am majoring in Special Education and Elementary Education and will be receiving my teaching certificates by Spring of 2023! The education department at Gonzaga has been outstanding, and I am so thankful for all of the relationships I have made and experiences I have gained. The department does a great job of getting all of the students in “field placement” classrooms within their freshman year, so we have hands on experience in the schools each year. I have now worked in 6 different classrooms throughout the Spokane Public Schools District! With all of these classroom connections, I hope to stay in the Spokane Public School District following graduation and teach in a general education classroom- hopefully kindergarten or first grade.
Outside of classes, I am staying busy (no surprise there!) in Spokane. As many of you know, dance has always been a huge part of my life. Luckily, I have had the opportunity to become part of the dance program at Gonzaga and further my dance education. I participate in recitals, classes, fun events, and have even choreographed my own piece!
My favorite experience at Gonzaga has been being a part of the Gonzaga Bombsquad hip hop dance team. We perform at every other home basketball game, so I get to keep up with all of the action (I see a March Madness success in our future!) There are about 20 other students on the team, and we have become a family over the last few years during practices and bonding events.
Another extracurricular I have participated in is Zagathon, a fundraiser for Sacred Heart Hospital through a program called Children's Miracle Network Hospital. Throughout the year we fundraise money around campus, and then have a “dance marathon” in the spring. Families that have been impacted by the Children’s Miracle Network Hospital even get to join us and we get to hear about their stories!
I am thankful for the support that the Shine On Rotary Scholarship has provided me over the last three years of my life and am so grateful I have had the opportunity to come to Gonzaga.
Thank you for your support!
Gabi Navarro
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