Co-Editor-in-chief of The Axe
As he prepares to trade the halls of South Eugene for the vast world of scientific discovery, senior Oscar Guillemin is looking back on a high school experience that was as unconventional as it was formative. A mainstay of the student newspaper, The Axe, Oscar’s journey has been defined by curiosity, a sense of community, and a surprisingly nostalgic take on his underclassman years.
Reflecting on his favorite memories, Oscar points to an unexpected highlight: the “bomb threat era” of freshman year. “It was definitely a crazy time,” he admits, “but even though it was stressful, we were sort of all in it together. I do kind of miss it.”
That sense of solidarity is something he found again in the newspaper classroom. For Oscar, The Axe provided a unique sanctuary where he could explore his varied interests. “The group we have here is really special,” he says. “There’s really nothing like it here at South.”
While he will miss the close-knit community of South Eugene, Oscar is more than ready to expand his horizons. His dreams are centered on a simple but profound philosophy: see the world, help people, and have as much fun as possible. This drive to contribute to the greater good is what led him to choose microbiology as his future field of study. Oscar plans to dive into the world of biotech or drug development, focusing on research rather than the traditional pre-med track. “I think it’s a really cool and important field,” he notes, adding with a touch of wit: “If AI takes my job, I think I’ll work as a barista.”
Whether he ends up in a high-tech lab or behind an espresso machine, Oscar’s departure marks the end of a significant chapter. He is eager to leave Eugene and embrace the independence that college offers. Congratulations, Oscar! We can’t wait to see the impact you make on the world.
Article by Saksham Sinha