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"YVC was the best choice I could have ever made after high school and I’m so thankful for the staff and students that have made this experience so great."

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate in Science Track 2 – Engineering Transfer ‘26 

Hometown 
Wapato 

Major 
Mechanical Engineering 

How did you decide on a major? 
I knew I wanted to be an engineer but after looking into the specifics of each type of engineering, I decided that mechanical would be best suited for me. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
I’ve been really interested in the big impact mechanical engineering can make on clean energy. They [mechanical engineers] play a big role in optimizing systems that use renewable sources and find different ways to improve energy efficiency in a way that will reduce waste. 

What does earning your college degree/certificate mean to you as a first-generation college student? 
Earning this college degree not only accomplishes my dreams but also honors the dream my parents never had the opportunity to pursue — a privilege I consider one of the greatest honors of my life. 

Did you know what academic pathway you wanted to pursue when you started at YVC? If not, how did your advisor or YVC’s academic pathways help you decide? 
When I first enrolled at YVC, I was on an academic path that I was not passionate about. Thanks to the encouragement of my friends and family, I found the confidence needed to pursue a more challenging degree. My advisor, Cristy Rasmussen [STEM director], helped me choose my classes and plan out my schedule. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
I chose YVC because I heard it was a good place to start — with instructors who are more engaged with their students than those at larger universities. It was also the most practical choice financially, making it the best option for me.  

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
Vice President of the Engineering Club, STEM Club, Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement (MESA) program 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Welcoming, Resourceful, Helpful 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
My favorite college class has been Preparatory Chemistry (CHEM& 100). Although this class was before I started my actual pathway to engineering, the professor made me enjoy a subject I never thought I would like. This class expanded my knowledge by making me feel more confident in a class I would usually think of as hard; it helped me understand other subjects in an easier way by the study habits I developed in that class. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
Cristy Rasmussen is a mentor to me. I consider her a mentor because she always goes out of her way to find opportunities for me that help ease the process of transferring and applying for scholarships. If it weren’t for her help, I would be a regular student with no credentials on my résumé. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 
The library, it’s where I get the majority of my work done. 

Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC? 
The biggest barrier I overcame was my shyness. When I first started, I was quiet and kept to myself. The desire to build a better future for myself helped me overcome my barrier of being shy and allowed me to build great relationships with people I never knew. 

How has Â鶹ÊÓƵ changed you? 
YVC has changed me into a more confident and motivated individual. 

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
I work two jobs: I’m a substitute custodian for a local school district and a communications tutor at YVC. Right now, I’m taking a break from custodial work while I manage a 20-credit course load this quarter, but I plan to return to my regular schedule soon. I fit tutoring into my day between classes and after my final period, then head to my other job. Both positions are flexible, and I’ve been fortunate to have supportive supervisors who understand the importance of my education and do what they can to help. 

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC?  
My biggest achievement at YVC so far has been being accepted into a University of Washington capstone project focused on clean energy. It’s a nine-month initiative that will culminate in a presentation at UW in May. 

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) 
I’ve taken advantage of the free school supplies and backpacks provided by the STEM Club, as well as the TI-84 calculators available for rent through the library. I’ve found both resources to be incredibly helpful. 

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please describe how this helped you on your journey. 
I receive financial aid, and it’s the reason I’m able to attend college. Without it, I wouldn’t even be on this journey. 

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 through a mix of my classes and clubs, such as STEM, MESA and engineering. Over the past two years, I’ve built strong relationships with students who share similar goals, since we attend the same classes throughout the day. We also participate in clubs together and have grown close. I’d say my entire YVC experience has given me a true sense of belonging. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
My goal is to transfer to the University of Washington next year and pursue a degree in mechanical engineering. My dream is to become a mechanical engineer and finally give back to my parents, who worked tirelessly to give me a chance they never had. 

What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college? 
I highly recommend starting at a community college. It provides the resources you need to succeed at a larger university and helps you find opportunities for scholarships, internships and volunteer work. Classes are easier to follow, and you have access to instructors and tutoring centers for support. Most importantly, it shows universities that you’re capable of college-level work and can increase your chances of being accepted. 

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience at YVC? 
YVC was the best choice I could have ever made after high school and I’m so thankful for the staff and students that have made this experience so great.