"麻豆视频 has transformed me and given me hope for a better future for my family and myself. 滨鈥檝别 encountered amazing folks."
Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year
Associate in Arts Transfer Degree 鈥�26, I-BEST Business Technology Certificate 鈥�24,
High School Diploma 鈥�24
Hometown
Yakima
Major
Psychology
How did you decide on a major?
It was easy for me to choose my degree since 滨鈥檝别 always been motivated to help others.
I love science and psychology, and I realized that I wanted to help my community after
I saw kids lose their lives due to trauma.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
Understanding and comprehending our minds and emotions to be able to acquire a better
life 鈥� since everyone has experienced traumas in their lives that impact their quality
of life 鈥� is what 滨鈥檝别 found most fascinating about my major.
What does it mean to you to be a first-generation college student?
I am a Mexican girl, the youngest of three brothers, and the first in my family to
complete my education. Knowledge is power. Having children of my own, I want to be
able to inspire them to never give up and to pursue their goals regardless of their
age 鈥� letting them know that everything is achievable in life if you set your mind
to it.
As I was heading down the stage [during YVC鈥檚 2024 CCR Celebration of Achievement Ceremony], I noticed my mother sobbing, but it was joyous tears, telling her all the sacrifices she had made for us had been worthwhile.
Did you know what academic pathway you wanted to pursue when you started at YVC?
As a survivor of domestic abuse who began my healing process a few years ago, I made
the decision to assist those in my community. I was still unsure; however, Jamie Treat
[College and Career Readiness Instructor] and Andrea Gutierrez Trammell [Pathway Coordinator]
often reminded me [of my goals] saying things like, 鈥淵ou鈥檒l be a fantastic counselor,鈥�
and 鈥淐elia, you have a gift with words.鈥�
What made you interested in studying at YVC?
What drew me to YVC is its proximity to my home. I graduated from YVC in 2024 with
my I-BEST Business Technology Certificate, which was a great choice because of its
, availability and financial aid assistance.
What three words would you use to describe YVC?
Kind, Beautiful, Peaceful
What鈥檚 your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?
Writing with Jamie Treat is one of my favorite lessons since he helped me improve
both my writing and language skills. Another favorite class is English 102 [English
Composition II] with Jennifer Murphy. She is an amazing, kind and wonderful teacher,
and her teaching style encourages students to interact even more. Although English
is supposed to be my hardest class, I have learned even more about writing since I
started taking this class with her. My first language is Spanish, and this class has
helped me improve my translation skills. Another favorite class is with Luis Bello-Zarallo [Spanish Instructor], it鈥檚 a fantastic class full of culture.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
My mentor on campus is Andrea Gutierrez, who never fails to support and assist me
whenever I need it. Jamie Treat also helped me until I graduated from College and Career Readiness, and Luis Bello-Zarallo helped me feel better by teaching me confidence and self-belief.
When I walk into his office, it feels like a new beginning since he is always so considerate
and nice. I can ask him for help with school and he will always do his best.
What鈥檚 your favorite spot on campus?
The library is my favorite place on campus since it鈥檚 so quiet and serene that I can always go
there to escape the outside world and lose myself while reading a book or working
on a school assignment.
Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC?
My second language is English, which I struggle with even though 滨鈥檝别 lived in this
country long enough to be able to read, write and speak with confidence. However,
learning English is a lifelong process. I overcame it by studying diligently and seeking
assistance from my mentors.
How has 麻豆视频 changed you?
In many respects, 麻豆视频 has transformed me and given me hope for a
better future for my family and myself. 滨鈥檝别 encountered amazing folks.
Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule?
In addition to being a mother of two amazing children, I work a full-time job and
attend school full-time. Juggling these has been extremely challenging, but in the
real world, you need a job to support yourself.
What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC?
My greatest accomplishment at YVC was earning my high school diploma rather than my GED, which took longer to earn, but was well worth it. I enrolled
in college courses to earn my business technology certification while I was a student at College and Career Readiness. One of my fantasies
came true after graduating, going to college.
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 College and Career Readiness, student financial aid enabled me to complete my business technology certificate. Additionally, the daycare
provided students with discounts, which was really beneficial. The has always been my best friend, and I enjoy visiting it since it has a wealth of
resources.
Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please
describe how this helped you on your journey.
I did receive financial aid to obtain my business certification and currently receive
the , which pays my tuition annually.
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 see school as a second home where I can showcase my skills to the world and meet
new individuals who share my aspirations. One of my other favorite spots at school
is the HUB, where I can participate in all the fantastic events they host each month. It鈥檚 a lot of fun.
What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams?
I want to graduate and become a psychologist so that I can help people in need get
health care. I also want to start a podcast and write a book about my history. I want
to be able to inspire others that knowledge will help open better doors to any struggle
they may be facing.
What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college?
I鈥檇 share my favorite quote from Les Brown, 鈥淵ou don鈥檛 have to be great to get started,
but you have to get started to be great.鈥�
Do you have anything else you鈥檇 like to share with us about your experience at YVC?
I hope my story has shown you that you can join YVC, which is like a second family
to me, and that we are all here to support one another.