Portland Community College

Jonathan Bennett Watson: Bridges to the Future scholarship recipient

Posted by PCC Foundation

Jonathan Bennett Watson (JBW) finished high school uncertain about the future — and found his footing with PCC

Before I came to PCC, my path wasn’t straightforward. I was part of the class of drive-through graduations…completing high school just four months after the pandemic forced us into lockdown. While I knew that continuing my education was part of my future, I wasn’t sure exactly what that looked like.

In the Fall of 2020, I took online classes at PCC. But I like personal connection. And without having in-person classes with instructors and classmates, I struggled to stay motivated. This led me to take a step back from my education.

All that changed in 2023 when I found new inspiration in an unexpected place — my own health challenges.

In middle school, I suffered from a gallbladder disorder. During that time, something seemingly simple — water — became essential to my treatment and recovery. That experience left a lasting impression. I began to understand how something as basic as clean, reliable water can profoundly affect health and well-being. And I also considered a troubling truth: millions of people around the world don’t have access to this fundamental resource.

I decided to turn that awareness into action. I returned to study engineering so I could pursue a career in clean water systems and sustainability.

I was nervous about finding success at PCC. School hadn’t been easy for me as a kid. But during my first term, I found the TRIO college success program. TRIO gave me the guidance and resources I needed to stay on track. The support meant so much to me that I eventually became a peer mentor myself.

The real game-changer came when I received the Bridges to the Future scholarship.

At the time, I was juggling work and school. The scholarship allowed me to reduce my work hours. This gave me the opportunity to focus more on my studies, engage with my instructors, and even do some extracurriculars like art. It gave me the space to see the amazing community right in front of me.

I now had extra time to stay after class and work through problems with my chemistry and math teachers. That one-on-one access completely changed my perspective. No longer were assignments just tasks to complete. They were puzzles to solve. Challenges to embrace.

Thanks to the TRIO program, the Bridges to the Future scholarship, and the creative outlet I found in sculpting and art classes, I was able to thrive at PCC.

But it wasn’t until I transferred to OSU that I truly realized how meaningful my time at PCC was.

At OSU, I quickly saw the strengths of PCC that I hadn’t fully appreciated before. PCC is more than just a stepping stone. It’s an institution filled with educators who come together to cultivate a community of learning and growth.

The education I received at PCC, particularly in the foundational courses that set me up for engineering studies, was exceptional. I wasn’t just checking boxes; I was building the skills and confidence I needed to thrive in a demanding field.

PCC helped me realize my potential.