Grace Shumock-Cowan Staff Spotlight Interview
Grace Shumock-Cowan, an Outdoor Program EQC Attendant and Kayak Pool Session Monitor, is a great resource for getting any outdoor gear or learning how to Kayak. And take it from Grace, she would be happy to connect you to everything the Outdoor Program has to offer! “One of the most rewarding moments for me is when I see people return from renting our gear or return from a trip and thank us for what a great experience they had and for being able to allow them to get outside.”
It wasn’t a straightforward journey for Grace to get to Portland. She explained how she left her home, Bellingham, Washington, to go to the University of New Mexico, but didn’t form a strong connection. Grace decided to apply to other schools such as the University of Washington and Portland State University. Since Portland State University seemed to be more of a welcoming environment that fit her preferences, she applied and was accepted. After applying for a position on Handshake, she officially started working at CampusRec as the Staff Development Student Coordinator. After a year of being in that position, Grace wanted to explore something new and different, so she applied to work at the Outdoor Program, where she has been ever since!
When Grace is not working hard at the Outdoor Program, you can find her exploring the great Portland outdoors and cultivating time for her passions, which include art, trying new food, and spending time with friends. Grace’s passions allow her to explore her surroundings, strengthen her relationships, and create a personal sense of wellbeing through expression.
And speaking of passion, community is a very important value to Grace. It is no wonder why she won the Values Award for Community! In her nomination for the Community Value Award, she was noted as having a welcoming presence and finding ways to connect with anyone she talks to. Community means showing up for people, and doing the work necessary to help others. “I’m passionate about positively impacting others and the communities I am in. I feel like I want to make the world as a whole a better place and I do that by being kind to people and being my true self.”
Grace has a passion for community both here at home, and abroad. She is an International Studies major with an interest in learning different cultures and exploring life across the globe. She applied for a 2-year program at an American international school in Thailand to become a teacher. If accepted, she’ll go there directly after she graduates from PSU, but if not, she’ll still travel in some capacity and explore opportunities that come her way.
It is clear that Grace works hard to create spaces for connection to thrive by practicing kindness and forging relationships. For advice to impart to new staff members, Grace shares: “Put yourself out there and get to know people in your department and other departments. I think the community is super strong at CampusRec so as long as you make an effort to connect with others, it will really positively impact your experience.”
Thank you for the kindness and sense of community you bring to CampusRec, it does not go unnoticed!