鈥淭he continuous growth and innovation in IT keep me motivated and excited about my future in this field.鈥�
Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year
Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology
Hometown
Yakima
How did you decide on a major?
I went back and forth for a while on what I wanted to do. After completing my military
service, I decided to pursue a degree in criminal justice, which led to a career as a corrections officer. Over the years in that role, I gained
valuable experience but realized I wanted to explore a new direction 鈥� one that challenged
me in different ways and offered more opportunities for growth. That鈥檚 when I decided
to return to school and pursue a degree in information technology. It鈥檚 been a great decision, as I鈥檝e found IT to be both engaging and rewarding.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
What I find most interesting about my major is the constant demand and importance
of information technology in today鈥檚 world. IT is a high-demand field that鈥檚 always
evolving, which makes it both challenging and rewarding. I enjoy working with computers
and love learning new things as technology continues to advance. The continuous growth
and innovation in IT keep me motivated and excited about my future in this field.
What does earning your college degree/certificate mean to you as a first-generation
college student?
As a first-generation college student, earning my degree is a meaningful accomplishment for both me and my family. My parents,
who worked as migrant farmworkers, didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to attend college.
This achievement represents their hard work, my determination, and a commitment to
setting a strong example for my children 鈥� that education and perseverance open doors
to new opportunities.
Did you know what academic pathway you wanted to pursue when you started at YVC? If
not, how did your advisor or YVC鈥檚 academic pathways help you decide?
When I first started at YVC, I began my academic pathway in criminal justice. However, as the years went by and I started a family, my goals
and interests began to shift. With the guidance and support from my advisor, I decided
to switch my focus and pursue a career in information technology. It was a big change,
but one that better aligns with my long-term goals and passion for technology.
What made you interested in studying at YVC?
What made me interested in studying at YVC was the flexibility it offers 鈥� especially
the option to take classes online. Since I work full time, being able to complete
coursework on my own schedule is extremely important. YVC鈥檚 flexible class options
make it possible for me to continue my education while balancing work and family responsibilities.
Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams)
I currently work for an organization that helps veterans navigate the VA (Veterans
Affairs) system. As a veteran myself, I understand how challenging it can be to access
benefits 鈥� especially when using the GI Bill. Supporting other veterans through that process is something I take great pride in. In addition, I am an active
member of the Marine Corps League, where I stay connected with fellow Marines and
continue to serve my community.
What three words would you use to describe YVC?
Affordable, Veteran-friendly, Community-focused
What鈥檚 your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?
I would say all of my classes have been my favorite because each one has taught me
something valuable about how computers work 鈥� both inside and out. Every instructor
I鈥檝e had has been dedicated to the material and always willing to help when needed.
Their support and knowledge have really expanded my understanding of information technology
and kept me motivated throughout my studies.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
I believe all the faculty members I鈥檝e worked with have played a role in mentoring
me in some way. They鈥檝e helped me navigate my curriculum and have always been available
to answer any questions I鈥檝e had. Stef Apperson (Information Technology Instructor)
has been especially helpful 鈥� he鈥檚 very knowledgeable and insightful about information
technology and has made a big impact on my learning experience.
What鈥檚 your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot on campus is the library. I really enjoy that it offers a quiet space to study and prepare for tests. I also
appreciate the helpful student services available upstairs, which make it easy to
find support when needed. It鈥檚 a comfortable and productive environment that helps
me stay focused and motivated.
Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC?
There were several barriers I had to overcome to be successful at YVC. One of the
biggest was my age, as I wasn鈥檛 a traditional student coming straight from high school.
Attending classes with younger classmates sometimes made me feel out of place. I overcame
this by interacting with my classmates, getting to know their stories and understanding
why they were in college. Building those connections helped me feel more confident
and assured in my own journey.
How has 麻豆视频 changed you?
麻豆视频 has changed me dramatically. Through my classes, I鈥檝e learned
a great deal and gained confidence in my abilities. I鈥檓 proud of what I鈥檝e accomplished
鈥� especially because I once told myself that I might be too old to go back to college.
Being here and giving my all to complete my degree has shown me that it鈥檚 never too
late to pursue your goals.
Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule?
Yes, I currently work full time. I鈥檓 very grateful that my job is flexible and understanding,
which makes it possible to balance work and school. I attend college part time because
taking a full course load would be overwhelming. Attending part time allows me to
manage my work responsibilities while keeping up with my classes and giving my best
effort to my studies.
What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC?
I view my biggest achievement at YVC as successfully passing all my classes with good
grades. There was always a part of me worried about the possibility of failing, but
through hard work and dedication, I鈥檝e been able to do well. This accomplishment has
given me confidence in my abilities and motivation to keep moving forward toward my
degree.
Are there any support services or resources that you have taken advantage of? How
have you found these beneficial? (e.g. tutoring, academic advising, library)
As a disabled veteran, I have taken advantage of the Disability Support Services at YVC. I appreciate how they provide classroom accommodations that help ensure I
can succeed. Their support has made it easier to focus on my studies and manage any
challenges, allowing me to fully participate in my courses.
Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please
describe how this helped you on your journey.
I previously used my G.I. Bill for schooling as a veteran, but I have since exhausted
those benefits. I鈥檓 currently enrolled in a program through the VA, which covers my tuition and books. This support has been
tremendously helpful in my journey 鈥� especially since I don鈥檛 qualify for traditional
financial aid. It allows me to focus on my studies without the added stress of financial
burdens.
How do you find a sense of belonging at YVC (for example, activities or clubs that
help you connect with students who share your interests or background)?
I find a sense of belonging at YVC because it鈥檚 a community-focused college with many
veterans, which allows me to relate and connect with others who share similar experiences.
I also appreciate that many of the students I鈥檝e met are around the same age as me,
which makes it easier to relate and feel comfortable in the classroom and on campus.
What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams?
My career goals after YVC are to secure a position where I can continue to grow and
learn as much as possible. I hope to work for an organization that values its employees
and offers opportunities for professional development. Ultimately, I want a career
that is both challenging and rewarding 鈥� one that allows me to make a meaningful contribution
while continuing to expand my skills.
What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college?
The advice I would give a friend considering college is to research the schools they
are interested in and think carefully about which career paths appeal to them. It鈥檚
important to make sure the school offers a degree or program that aligns with their goals. Taking the time to plan ahead can make the college
experience more focused and rewarding.