Balancing Lanes, Lyrics and Language

At Linfield, you don’t have to choose just one path. Just ask Ella Quijano ’27, a secondary education major and Spanish minor from Salem. A member of the swim team, university choir and the Spanish Club, Ella represents the kind of well-rounded, involved student Linfield encourages — one who explores opportunities across campus in academics, athletics and the arts.

“When I visited, I loved the size and the professors,” she said. “But what really drew me in were the opportunities — to do things I didn’t think I would do in college.”

Diving into community: Swim team

One of those unexpected activities was swimming.

“I figured I was done after high school,” she said. But with encouragement from her coach at home, she reached out to Linfield’s swim coach. When she was offered a spot on the team, she dove in — and she’s so glad she did.

The team is so welcoming,” she said. “Everyone includes everybody.”

Being a part of the team has done more than build a connection with her new friends. It's also helped her grow in discipline and resilience. Regular practice, traveling across the Pacific Northwest and balancing school with athletics pushed her to stay focused and organized.

“It’s taken me out of my comfort zone and helped me build both physical and mental discipline,” she said.

“I didn’t expect to be a college athlete, and it wasn’t in my original plan,” she said. “But Linfield made it possible for me to do so by having a small, close-knit community that welcomes newcomers regardless of experience.”

Notes that Matter: Choir

That same confidence inspired Ella to join Linfield’s Concert Choir.

Music was a big part of her life in high school, but she hadn’t expected it would continue in college — until it did.

“I was considering a music minor, and choir felt like the right fit,” she said. “It was something familiar, something I knew I loved.”

Ella now rehearses several times each week and performs in two concerts per semester. Beyond performance, choir offers a creative outlet and another way for her to grow — one that stretches her in new ways.

Speaking her passion: Spanish Club

On top of academics, athletics and music, Ella still finds time to pursue one of her deepest passions: language.

A Spanish minor, she’s actively involved in Linfield’s Spanish Club, where culture and conversation go beyond the classroom.

“I took Spanish in high school and knew I wanted to continue it,” she said. “But here, I get to celebrate traditions, connect with people and grow outside of class.”

Whether it’s a cultural event, a shared meal or a conversation with a professor, the Spanish Club brings both academic depth and personal meaning to her college experience.

“The professors and community are really kind and welcoming,” she said, “I like that I get to meet and connect with people from all different backgrounds.”

Courage over comfort

What stands out most in Ella’s story isn’t just what she’s done — it’s how each experience has shaped her.

Swim team taught her time management and focus. Concert Choir gave her a creative voice. Spanish Club deepened her cultural awareness and helped her build meaningful relationships.

To new students, Ella offers a simple yet effective piece of advice: “Do stuff even though you’re scared to do it. With every new thing I tried, I felt more at home.”

At Linfield, students aren’t expected to choose just one lane. They’re encouraged to explore, rediscover and dive into the unexpected.

And just like Ella, they may find themselves in places they never imagined.