My name is Ireland. I'm currently a Master's student (in economics) at the University of Oregon, but completed my undergraduate at Oregon too, this past spring. Coming to Oregon has been one of the best decisions; one that I've never regretted for a second. My time here has been nothing short of amazing, and I feel the same about the school itself. I majored in economics with minors in mathematics and legal studies, but have had a very interdisciplinary academic journey. From my own experiences these last four years, I have lots to say about pretty much every aspect of college, and your time spent in college, even experiences that every college student isn't guaranteed to go through​/​ones that may not apply to everyone. I'd love to talk about Oregon to any prospective students, as well as college in general. Reservations, concerns, questions, hypotheticals—feel free to reach out about any of it! I'm happy to help.

Hometown

Toronto, ON, Canada & Portland, Oregon, United States

Major(s)

Economics

Minor(s)

Mathematics, Legal Studies

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Women in Economics, Co-Director Economics Club Undergraduate Law Association Global Affairs Society Women in Graduate Science

Describe your college experience

The transition to college was a difficult one because I graduated high school in 2021, so spent my entire senior year doing school remotely at home, and then did a full 180 and moved away from home for college, but Oregon is truly an amazing school. It's by no means your average state school. There are tons of programs, clubs, activities, and opportunities to meet people, or at least keep yourself busy while you're figuring out your new routine and adjusting to a new life style, including making new friends. I think the college transition in general, covid aside, can be a difficult one, but seeing it through and sticking with it is so important. Most change of any kind is going to be initially uncomfortable. Coming to Oregon has been one of the best, most influential decisions of my whole life and I wouldn't trade my time here for the world. I don't know how to describe it, but there's something special here, and about Oregon, and I know other alumni, as well as current students would say the same.

Tip for future students

I have so many, about every area and aspect of college. Reach out to me! I'd be more than happy to talk about them.

Favorite class

My 'Urban and Regional Economics' class was on that I really loved. Aside from the professor being great, learning the "why's" about many parts of society that we interact with or are impacted by everyday was super interesting to me. However, I came into Oregon with an entirely different Academic focus than I graduated with, so I've taken a huge range of classes in several departments that I can speak to, and having had 6+ roommates my sophomore, junior, and senior year. there are a lot of classes that I haven't personally taken, but know to be loved by my friends, the people in classes before me, and those who have come after.

Career goals

As of now, I plan to take a little bit of time off after I finish my Master's in June 2026, and then hope to work on policy analysis. Still figuring out if this is the end of my academic journey for good, or just for now, but should I continue, there will definitely be some time spent working and growing professionally before I do so.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Your free nights are going to look different each year of college, and of course, will differ based on preferences. Oregon obviously has amazing athletics that make being in the student section of any game, so much fun. There's happening on campus almost every night of the week, which are mostly free. The school doesn't have a great bar scene but the ones that we do have, also have events several nights a week that are super popular amongst upperclassmen. If you choose to participate in greek life, or just attend their events, there's lots of fun things that pertain to that. The list goes on, but my favorite parts of college and the ones that I miss most now that we've graduated and my friends have moved away, are just the nights spent hanging out. For whatever reason, Oregon is littered with tons of really cool, awesome, likable people that are so fun to be around. It was one of the first things I noticed freshman year, and I seriously find it to still be the case 4 years later.

High school or secondary school

West Linn High School, West Linn, Oregon, United States

Previous college

NA