Many Hood River residents may recognize the last name Noteboom. You might have taken a class taught by my mom, Nan, or were coached by my dad, Steve. Now, I am trying to make a name for myself. My name is Noah Noteboom and I have always been very proud to come from the Gorge. I got used to the positive responses when I’d tell my friends at the University of Oregon that I’m from “the Hood.”

Noah Noteboom

University of Oregon graduate and longtime Hood River resident joins the Columbia Gorge News team.

After I graduated from HRVHS in 2016, the first couple years of college were a confusing time for me. With my tuition costs covered by the state, thanks to the OregonPromise, I decided to attend community college. I shared a one-bedroom apartment with fellow Hood River resident Carlos Ybarra and worked part-time. That year, I took architecture, paralegal, and business courses. I switched my major three times and attended three colleges before figuring out journalism was my calling.