Colby Hill: “I just want to help make people better and make myself better”

When a student-athlete declares their intent to compete for a college on the field, they sign a letter of intent. Last spring Colby Hill signed a letter of intent with Linn-Benton Community College, but not as an athlete.

Colby along with nearly 50 other students were part of LBCC’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) Signing Day where he signed a letter of intent to enroll in the Practical Business Management program.

“I just want to help make people better and make myself better,” said Colby. “And I think a business degree is a great way to do that.”

Colby was recently back on campus for LBCC’s annual Welcome Day which offers a first chance to experience the Albany campus and learn about various student resources. And while there are always nerves before any new adventure, Colby can enter this one with a little piece of mind.

He was awarded a $2,500 scholarship from the LBCC Foundation courtesy of the Mid-Valley STEM Hub for the 2022-2023 school year.

“All I could say was, ‘Oh my goodness,” said Colby. “It was so nice to find that out.”

Colby choose to stay close to home for college. After graduating from Santiam Christian, LBCC seemed like an obvious fit for the Albany native. LB offered him a chance to continue his education near his family and it was a fraction of the cost of a four-year university.

Now with the help of the LBCC Foundation, college became a little more affordable.

“It definitely means a lot to get this scholarship,” said Colby. “I've seen my parents work super hard all my life and that has motivated me to work super hard in applying for scholarships.”

Colby is just starting his journey as a Roadrunner and he isn’t quite sure what the future holds for him yet. He’s got time to work out the exact details because he already knows what he wants to do after graduating from LBCC; help others.

“I’ve always wanted to impact other people's lives,” said Colby. “It brings me joy.”