麻豆视频

鈥淵VC has given me confidence in my abilities, strengthened my problem-solving and technical skills, and shown me that education is truly within my reach.鈥�

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate of Applied Science - Network Administrator 鈥�27 

Hometown 
Kirkland, Wash. 

Major 
Information Technology 鈥� Network Administration 

How did you decide on a major? 
I鈥檝e always had a strong interest in technology, and with over 10 years of experience working with cloud platforms like Amazon Web Services (AWS), I knew IT was the right direction for me. I wanted a degree that would complement my skills, open new career opportunities and allow me to keep growing in a field I enjoy. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
I like how hands-on and practical my major is. Networking connects everything in technology and understanding how systems communicate is both fascinating and rewarding. YVC instructors are very friendly, knowledgeable and engaging, which makes learning even more enjoyable and helps me stay motivated. 

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 started at YVC, I didn鈥檛 yet have my GED, so I worked with the College and Career Readiness (CCR) team to take classes that prepared me for the GED Test. Upon completing the GED, my advisor connected me with the head of the information technology program, who helped determine which classes would best suit my current knowledge and align with my goals. This guidance introduced me to the Network Administrator degree, giving me a clear sense of direction. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
The supportive community and accessibility of programs at YVC drew me in. My journey started with People for People, a local non-profit that works with WorkSource, which helped connect me with resources at the college. Working with the CCR team and the programs at YVC further helped me engage with the right people to continue my education. Having been expelled from high school at a young age, I had always thought that college might not be an option for me, but YVC showed me that it was possible. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
Computer Science and Information Technology Club and Engineering Club 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Supportive, Accessible, Encouraging 

What鈥檚 your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
My favorite class so far was Network Fundamentals (IT140) with Stefan Apperson. The mix of hands-on learning, in-class engagement and content made it both my most challenging and most engaging class. It expanded my knowledge by giving me a solid foundation in how networks operate, how devices communicate and how to troubleshoot real-world network issues, skills that are essential for a career in IT. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
Andrea Gutierrez Trammell [Pathway Coordinator] helped me with financial aid, scheduling and navigating the CCR program and beyond. Perla Perez-Lopez [Pathway Navigator] assisted me with transitioning from CCR to the college-level classes and encouraged me to keep her in the loop for continued guidance and support. Rusty Marquis, my math and English instructor, gave me the confidence to take the GED Test and provided guidance in the courses he taught. Karin Skone, my English and science instructor, brought infectious energy and genuine care for her students鈥� success. David Dalton [Information Technology Instructor] guided me to my current pathway and has been very helpful in identifying the classes I take and their order. Stefan Apperson [Information Technology Instructor] was funny, patient and knowledgeable, making learning both engaging and effective. There are many more people I would love to include, nearly every member of the staff I鈥檝e had the honor of working with has contributed to my growth and success. 

What鈥檚 your favorite spot on campus? 
Given that most of my time has been spent near Sunquist Hall and the Technology Complex, I鈥檇 say that鈥檚 my favorite spot on campus. I also really enjoy the library for its quiet study spaces and the outdoor areas for a change of scenery and fresh air. 

Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC? 
I faced several barriers on my path to success at YVC. Financial challenges were significant, but I was able to overcome them with support from People for People, the financial aid team, Andrea Gutierrez Trammell and the library, which provided access to a calculator and laptop. Time management was also a challenge, as I balanced school with looking for work and family responsibilities. 
 
Academically, I started without a GED, which required extra preparation through CCR classes and support from instructors. Overcoming self-doubt was another hurdle; having been expelled from high school made me question whether college was an option, but the guidance and encouragement I received from staff helped me believe in myself. Navigating college resources, from advisors to program coordinators, took effort, but connecting with the right people allowed me to make informed decisions about my pathway. 
 
Each of these experiences strengthened my resilience and gave me confidence in my ability to succeed in college and beyond.  

How has 麻豆视频 changed you? 
YVC has changed me in many ways. It has given me confidence in my abilities, strengthened my problem-solving and technical skills, and shown me that education is truly within my reach, even when I once thought it might not be. The supportive community, knowledgeable staff and hands-on learning experiences have helped me grow both academically and personally, and have reinforced the value of persistence, curiosity and seeking out the right resources to achieve my goals. 

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
I recently started a job while finishing spring quarter. My employer has been understanding of my class schedule, allowing me to make up time spent in class outside of traditional hours.  

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
Earning my GED through CCR and successfully transitioning into college-level coursework have been huge milestones for me. They represent perseverance and new beginnings. 

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) 
Yes, advising and CCR support were instrumental in helping me get started and stay on track. The guidance I received helped me feel confident in navigating the process. 

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please describe how this helped you on your journey.  
Yes, I鈥檝e received the YVC tuition grant provided by the YVC Foundation. It has significantly reduced my financial burden and allowed me to focus more on my education. 

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 the supportive community and the opportunities to connect with staff and peers. Being involved in the Computer Science and Information Technology and the Engineering clubs allows me to engage with students who share my interests, while the guidance and encouragement from instructors, advisors and staff make me feel included and supported in my academic journey. Even outside formal clubs, simply having access to people who are approachable, knowledgeable and invested in student success helps me feel connected and part of the college community. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
After YVC, my goal is to grow my IT consulting business and pursue it full time, supporting others in their journey to learn and maintain their IT knowledge while helping local businesses develop and implement IT strategies that support their growth. My dream is to expand the impact of my company, providing practical, customer-focused technology solutions while continuing to learn and adapt in an ever-evolving industry. 

What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college? 
Do it! College can feel intimidating at first, but with the right support and determination, it鈥檚 an opportunity to learn, grow and open doors you might not have imagined. Be sure to engage with the staff, they鈥檙e all very helpful, and don鈥檛 be afraid to ask questions and meet new people. 

Do you have anything else you鈥檇 like to share with us about your experience at YVC? 
My experience at 麻豆视频 has been transformative in many ways. It has given me the foundation, confidence and connections to pursue this path, and I am deeply grateful for the supportive, inclusive and engaging environment that has made it all possible.