Â鶹ÊÓƵ

"My time at YVC has helped me find a place where I belong and feel like I fit in. ±õ’l±ô never forget my time here or the warm welcome I received in my program."

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Bachelor of Applied Science in Information Technology Networking – System Administration ‘26 

Hometown 
Yakima 

Major 
System Administration 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
I really like the class setup and atmosphere. David Dalton [Information Technology Instructor] tailors the courses around our needs. 

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? 
I knew I had talent for IT work, but it took spending time in different courses to really discover what interested me most. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
YVC being close to home was the deciding factor. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), Computer Science/IT Club, STEM Club 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Growing, Changing, Achieving 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
IT Legal and Security Issues (IT 259). This class allowed me to see how I can make changes in the industry. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
David Dalton not only is he my instructor, but he also checks in on me, guides me and encourages me. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 
Classrooms when I'm studying. They're quiet and perfect for when I need to focus. 

Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC? 
Yes, one of the biggest barriers I overcame was changing my outlook on courses and how I interacted with other students — seeing them as colleagues rather than competitors. 

How has Â鶹ÊÓƵ changed you? 
I'm on track to go to graduate school and start my career. 

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
Raising awareness for PTK and helping to restart our school powwows are what I consider my biggest achievements at YVC. 

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 used the Writing Center and library study rooms every term — at least four times throughout. They’ve been really helpful for staying focused and getting support when I need it. 

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 received some additional grant funding, which helped me afford my apartment when my finances were tight. 

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 do my best to encourage other students. As someone who strives to achieve, I often notice other students lacking confidence in their abilities — and I try my best to remedy that. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
My goal is to earn a Ph.D. and then work in the private sector to help change the face of technology as we know it. 

What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college? 
It depends on what they want to do, but I encourage them to give college a try to see if it’s the right fit for them. 

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience at YVC? 
My time at YVC has helped me find a place where I belong and feel like I fit in. ±õ’l±ô never forget my time here or the warm welcome I received in my program.