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"YVC has helped me to really start finding out who I am. I have come out of my shell tremendously. I am working towards being a much more extroverted person one day at a time."

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate of Applied Science in Land Surveying ‘26 

Hometown 
Yakima 

Major 
Land Surveying and Civil Engineering Technologies 

How did you decide on a major? 
I took an intro to engineering class to test the waters and decided that this was something I could enjoy learning. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
I like reading about the history of land surveying. It's crazy seeing how far the field has advanced in technology, but also how accurate their measurements were without [today’s] technology. 

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? 
Originally, I planned on going to Perry Tech, but they had a long wait list. In the meantime, they said I could take a few classes here at YVC, and that's when I decided that this was my correct destination and that STEM was the pathway for me. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
I had only planned on taking a couple of classes, but once I was here on campus, I quickly found out that this was the environment I wanted to be in and this was where I needed to go to school. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
[Student] Senate representative for the Engineering Club, Pride Club, Environmental Club and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Comfortable, Welcoming, Educational 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
The best class I've taken was probably Geology 101. It was challenging, and it tied into my degree in a roundabout way. But it was the instructor [Cassandra Strickland] who really made it good. She opened my eyes up to the makings of the earth and really has me looking around for pretty rocks now. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
Karyl Johnson, YVC librarian, is someone I look up to and trust on campus. He is a really smart guy who is very passionate about student success. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 
I have several; anywhere near pretty flowers is always good. I like to walk and find all the places to take cute selfies. 

Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC? 
My biggest barrier has been math; it's evil. It's a constant, ongoing struggle that I'm still trying to overcome. The Math Center, Tutoring Center and just asking for help are huge ways to help you get to where you're going. 

How has Â鶹ÊÓƵ changed you? 
I came here as a very introverted and slightly in the closet (sexually) kind of person. YVC has helped me to really start finding out who I am. I have come out of my shell tremendously. I am working towards being a much more extroverted person one day at a time. 

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
I am a work-study in Raymond Hall Library. It's the most fantastic job there is. The environment is the best. The staff is amazing and I get to meet and help my fellow students every time I work. They are very flexible with my schedule and let me have shifts that don't interfere with my classes. 

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
I think my biggest achievement is being on the honor roll. I never made the honor roll in high school, but as a college student, I've made the Dean's List six times and the President's List once in just nine quarters. 

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) 
The Tutoring Center can be helpful, but I feel like I get a lot out of the Math Center and the library. Both are great places with great 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 receive financial aid. I have also been awarded two scholarships — one from the Land Surveyors Association of Washington and one from the Yakima Rotary Club. Getting scholarships really helped me be able to breathe by putting some money in my pocket so I can just focus on school. 

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 try and immerse myself in as many school-related things as I can. My club memberships mean a lot to me, but I also really like going to and being a part of the weekly ASYVC senate meetings. It's really important for me to be able to try and have an impact or a potential influence on campus activities, policies and the overall way that the student government works. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
After YVC, I plan on attending Idaho State University to complete my bachelor’s degree in surveying and geomatics engineering technology. I hope to work for the Department of Transportation for Washington State and eventually open my own private surveying company. 

What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college? 
It's never too late to change your stars. It doesn't matter how old you are or what your situation is; just do it, you will love it. 

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience at YVC? 
Don't forget about the library, it's your hub for success. We [library staff] all have the tools you need, and if we don't, we will figure out a way to help.