Helena Schlegel’s college career is anything but paint by numbers.
Don’t get her wrong though, the sophomore Spanish and math major loves numbers — her dream job since junior high is to be a statistician for the Philadelphia Phillies. But her passions don’t end there.
Growing up in Tuscon, Ariz., Schlegel helped out with organizations that worked with underprivileged communities between her hometown and the border. While working in mostly Spanish-speaking communities, she felt like she could do more if she knew the language.
“Not knowing Spanish at the time was frustrating to me because I felt like I wasn’t able to help people fully get what they needed,” Schlegel said. “That’s why I also decided to major in Spanish. I wanted to understand the culture better and I wanted to be a bigger help working with underprivileged communities.”
Helping people who might not have as strong of a voice as others is what Schlegel loves to do best. It’s why she’s involved with the Oregon Student Association, the Student Labor Action Project and the Oregon Students of Color Coalition. Assisting minorities that might not have a voice otherwise is also why she decided to become an ASUO senator, even though she was hesitant at first.
“I’ve heard that the ASUO could be the best experience or worst experience for students, so I was pretty hesitant to get involved at first,” Schlegel said. “But I thought that I couldn’t really complain about some people not being heard if I wasn’t a part of what could be the thing that could change that.”
Schlegel’s goals for senate this year are to make sure students feel more familiar with the student groups and programs at the University of Oregon, and that the students she represents are properly represented. According to ASUO Senate Vice President Amy Jones, Schlegel’s doing that and then some.
“Helena advocates for critical issues that often lack student voices, and she’s passionate and determined to make our university a better place and home for every student on our campus,” Jones said. “I admire her drive, dedication and how she continuously steps up to challenges and tasks that others shy away from.”
Schlegel’s friends share Jones’ thoughts. According Samantha Cohen, a close friend and student volunteer for the ASUO Women’s Center, Schlegel goes out to talk to student groups to see what their concerns and thoughts are.
“She works hard to make sure she represents everyone,” Cohen said. “I also really love that she advocates for gender inclusion here on campus. She sincerely believes in equity and equality for all and I love that about her.”
“My steady goal is that I work with people,” Schlegel said. Whether that comes in the form of her working as a mathematician somewhere, or going across the word and utilizing her Spanish skills, she wants to work with and help whoever needs it.