Swimmer dives into health care
Scholarship recipient thanks President's Circle donors
In 2004, OSU swimmer Felicia Castaneda achieved her dream of competing in the Olympic trials. Yet as much as she loves the sport she excelled in for 14 years, she has discovered a new passion that is even more powerful. So powerful, in fact, that she decided to forego a second shot at the Olympics this summer.
Her new dream: medical school.
The recipient of an athletic scholarship and a Diversity Achievement Scholarship, Felicia recently told members of the President's Circle—a special group for OSU's most devoted annual supporters—how her experience at Oregon State changed her life.
Felicia, who graduates this spring with a major in nutrition science and a minor in chemistry, was a junior when Associate Athletic Director and mentor Marianne Vydra encouraged her to get involved with a campus exercise clinic for people with multiple sclerosis. Felicia was matched up with a man who wanted to give water therapy a try—and who better to help than a member of OSU's swim team?
The man's illness had progressed to the point where he was confined to a wheelchair and barely able to stand. Felicia worked with him in the pool twice a week, and over time she saw a miracle take place: the man regained his ability to walk.
"It was the most amazing thing I have ever witnessed," Felicia said. And this, she added, was the experience that finalized her decision to pursue a career in health care.
Coming from a family of seven, Felicia noted what a challenge her parents faced as they contemplated putting five kids through college at the same time. "We were so grateful for these scholarships," she said. "Someday I want to help support future students who, like myself, could not have afforded college without financial assistance."
To join the President's Circle, contact Lacie LaRue at 541-737-4704 or Lacie.LaRue@oregonstate.edu.
Learn More
Felicia Castaneda's swim team bio
Felica Castaneda featured as an "Everyday Champion"
