PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Since her sophomore year in high school, Tenzing Norzin has spent most of her weekends walking the fairways at Eastmoreland Golf Course.
The 17-year-old works as a caddy through the Eagle Program at Portland Parks and Recreation. Knowledge or skills in the game of golf aren’t required to apply for the program. Instead, good grades and community involvement are the tools desired for this job.
“It’s an opportunity, a paid internship, great opportunity for kids to make money and learn about the golf industry, the community and what it has to offer,” said Vincent Johnson with Portland Parks and Rec. “Our Eagle caddies get great job experience but they also have an opportunity to get a life-changing chance to get the Evans scholarship” — a 4-year full ride to the University of Oregon.
That’s about to happen for Tenzing.
“The scholarship will definitely help me in pursuing my dreams,” she told KOIN 6 News, “as I will get to pursue a higher education.”
She was born in India and her family nearly sent her back to care for her ailing grandmother. But the chance to be first in her family to attend college was just too good to pass up.
Tenzing starts at UO in the fall.
“I was super excited but I was really scared because it is going to be my first time being away from my family,” she said. “But it’s one of those things I have to lear growing into an adult. But I’m excited to take on this challenge.”
And Tenzing Norzin is looking forward.
“I feel like I have a better chance of building my own future, something my own parents never had the chance to do.”‘
