Toward a better tomorrow

Fiona Sherwood, class of 2027 (planning, public policy and management), grew up wondering what makes our world tick: How society is structured. The ways it shapes our choices and impacts our lives.

But she came to the UO wanting to do more than study social theory. She wanted to roll up her sleeves and confront real-world problems.

And she has found plenty of opportunities to do just that. A recipient of the prestigious Harold and Margaret Taylor Presidential Scholarship, Fiona has embraced experiential coursework that connects the classroom with the community.

In "Real World Lane County," an applied research course offered through her department, Fiona and her classmates worked directly with the local United Way. This experience introduced her to complex issues surrounding equity and access while she gained skills she can carry into a meaningful social services career.

A mission in motion

Fiona and her peers had a clear assignment for their class: Map the local social services landscape, identify gaps, and turn their findings into reports that could help United Way of Lane County better serve the community.

Before they could dive into the research, however, the team had to learn about project management. They created a timeline, divided responsibilities, and developed a plan that could adapt as their work evolved.

“It was a really good experience of learning how to look at something long-term and create the vision,” Fiona said. “But then also to understand that things are going to change, you're going to need to iterate upon it, and to give yourself that flexibility.”

With a plan in place, Fiona and her peers connected with local service providers to understand which residents could access their programs—and who might be left out. Fiona interviewed community healthcare leaders, gaining another résumé-ready skill while building connections with professionals in the field.

A heavy lift, a powerful impact

Back on campus, Fiona and her classmates turned their research into a comprehensive report for United Way, using GIS software to create digital maps that paired locations with data. It was a formidable task that ultimately yielded a big payoff.

“We now have this 60-page professional report that we wrote,” Fiona said. “We had advisors, but this was entirely our work.”

At the end of the term, she and her classmates presented their findings to the United Way board of directors. Their work will help steer funding decisions that improve people’s lives.

“That was a really rewarding experience,” Fiona said, “To know that the research and the work we are putting in could actually inform grant-making decisions.”

Fiona has made the most of every opportunity she’s found at Oregon—and she credits donor support with helping her do it.

"To me, my scholarship has given me the flexibility to make the most of my time at UO through enriching activities like studying abroad, along with inspiring me to give back to my UO community through on-campus work and academic pursuits," she said.