麻豆视频

鈥淏eing a first-generation student means everything to me. I know I鈥檒l be able to build a better life for myself 鈥� with the support of my parents, who didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to go to college. Their dreams live through me, and by going to college, I鈥檓 able to honor them and work toward a future where I can support them in return.鈥� 

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate in Science - Transfer Track 2 (AS-T T2) 鈥�26 

Hometown 
Cowiche 

Major 
Aerospace Engineering 

How did you decide on a major? 
I chose aerospace engineering as my major because I鈥檝e always been fascinated by airplanes and jet engines 鈥� how they work and how the whole system comes together. I want to be part of that process and contribute to making better, more advanced designs. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
What I find most interesting about aerospace engineering is the range of opportunities available. I used to think it was an exclusive and difficult field to get into, but as I learned more, I discovered tons of research and volunteer opportunities. There are even simple ways to get involved, like observing planes at the airport and taking notes on how they work. It鈥檚 exciting to know I can participate and contribute, even in small ways. 

What does earning your college degree/certificate mean to you as a first-generation college student? 
Being a first-generation student means everything to me. I know I鈥檒l be able to build a better life for myself 鈥� with the support of my parents, who didn鈥檛 have the opportunity to go to college. Their dreams live through me, and by going to college, I鈥檓 able to honor them and work toward a future where I can support them in return. 

How has having your brother attending college alongside you helped shape your experience? 
It鈥檚 really nice being able to attend with my brother because we carpool, which helps us save on gas. It also makes getting around campus easier 鈥� not just physically, but socially. Having someone I know by my side makes it easier to connect with others and feel more comfortable. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
What made me interested in studying at 麻豆视频 was how close it is to where I live and how accessible it is. The affordability also played a big role 鈥� not just for classes, but also for books and materials. All of those factors combined really made me want to come here. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
ASYVC Student Government, STEM Club, Engineering Club, Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, Cross Country at high school 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Helpful, Collaborative, Cooperative 
 
What鈥檚 your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
My favorite classes were Spanish 121 and 122 with Peter Monahan. He was an amazing instructor who not only helped me prepare for exams, but also encouraged me to get involved outside of class. He invited me to events that supported my Spanish learning, gave me extra credit opportunities and shared stories about the history of Mexico and Spain, along with his own adventures. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
I鈥檇 probably say my brother. He was the one who first told me about Yakima Valley College and helped me figure out which classes to take based on the major I鈥檓 interested in. In a lot of ways, he鈥檚 been like a mentor 鈥� guiding me and encouraging me to go to college. 

Were there any barriers you overcame to be successful at YVC? 
Even though college is relatively affordable, I鈥檝e still faced financial barriers. Things like car problems and unexpected textbook costs 鈥� especially when the books aren鈥檛 available in the campus bookstore 鈥� have made it challenging. For example, if I miss my carpool, I鈥檓 late because my house is so far from campus. These are the kinds of obstacles I鈥檝e had to overcome to attend college.  

How has 麻豆视频 changed you? 
I think college has helped me become more involved in my community. I鈥檝e always volunteered in my town, but being here has opened up even more opportunities. College students are often invited to help with events, and I鈥檝e been able to participate in things like volunteering at Cowiche Canyon and lobbying in Olympia. I don鈥檛 think I would鈥檝e had access to any of that if I weren鈥檛 in college. It鈥檚 been a great experience and I鈥檓 grateful for the opportunities. 

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
One of my biggest achievements was doing research at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I worked on a specific objective and we were able to reach our goals. It felt great to complete the project and find everything we were looking for. Being part of that research and contributing to meaningful work was a rewarding experience. 

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鈥檝e used the Career and Wellness Center. They helped me with my r茅sum茅 and provided training on job interviews and the job market. That support played a big role in helping me land a job as a lobbyist with a nonprofit organization. I鈥檝e also received support from CAMP and my CAMP manager 鈥� everyone there has been incredibly friendly and helpful. They鈥檝e supported me in meaningful ways, especially during times when I really needed it. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
I want to transfer to the University of Washington and pursue a career in aerospace engineering. Ideally, I鈥檇 like to work for a company like Boeing or an airline. Lockheed Martin also stands out to me 鈥� they build some incredible aircraft. Being part of that industry and contributing to innovation in aviation is my goal. 

What advice would you have for a friend considering whether to pursue college? 
I鈥檇 tell others to put themselves out there as much as possible. Being introverted can be good for your mental health if you enjoy time alone, but participating and getting involved helps so much more. I鈥檝e had the chance to be part of amazing things just because I asked a question or said hello. Being outgoing and kind can really take you far.