Isabela Kincaid's journey began with a dream and a determination to make a difference. She was inspired by the Running Start program and set her sights on earning a college degree before finishing high school. Her passion for medicine and the support of her family, mentors and YVC’s STEM program have guided her every step of the way.
"Around seventh or eighth grade, I started hearing about [Running Start]," said Kincaid. "People would come to our school and talk to you about it — just to get you started thinking about the program. Then, my freshman year, I talked to my advisor, and she was in full support of me doing it."
The aspiring doctor, who will graduate from college and high school this June, is one of two YVC students selected this year for All-Washington Academic Team recognition. The exceptional achievements of community and technical college students across the state are honored annually, with YVC and other colleges selecting up to two students to represent them in the All-USA Academic Team competition celebrating academic excellence, leadership and community service.
Pursuing passion
"Early in high school, I decided I wanted to become a doctor,” said Kincaid. “The first time I learned about and saw human anatomy, I thought it was the most fascinating thing I had seen in my life. I think the same about all science, so I’m very excited to pursue this."
In particular, Kincaid noted the importance of the mentorship she’s received from
Chemistry Instructor Natalia Dunn.
“She's a huge supporter, and I love how she sees her classes and how she talks to students,” said Kincaid. “The way that she treats others makes a huge difference in her classroom. She can relate to all of us, and she creates a really nice environment in her classroom.”
This June, she’ll graduate with both her high school diploma from West Valley High School and an associate degree thanks to Running Start, ready to take the next step towards becoming a doctor. Kincaid’s journey is a powerful example of determination and the drive to make a difference.
After completing her YVC degree, she plans to transfer to Central Washington University to earn her bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, she’d like to pursue medical school.
“I have always wanted to push myself to the limit with a challenge, that’s what put me on the path of becoming a doctor,” Kincaid said. “Looking to the future and being able to see myself becoming a practicing doctor now is what motivates me to succeed, in little and big challenges, on the daily to work towards that goal.”
A voice for others
Growing up in the lower Yakima Valley, Claire Reid saw a need in the community to help those who, like their grandfather, are deaf and struggle to communicate their needs.
"My grandfather was deaf, yet he did not know American Sign Language," says Reid.
"I was his caretaker for several years before he passed and reaching the point of
communicating by written messages was painful to experience."
Being an extroverted person who loved to talk, listen and experience others, Reid’s grandfather felt alienated by his disabilities, Reid recounted.
With this experience in mind, Reid, a communication/media arts student at Yakima Valley College who uses they/them pronouns, set their career and future goals on closing that gap for individuals like their grandfather.
"Though I couldn't do that for him, I want to be their voice and ears and return that path of communication for them," Reid said.
They’ve found support through YVC’s Writing Center and Tutoring Centers and English instructors Jeff Gerhardstein and Dodie Forrest.
“Both have just been very supportive, and it's been very nice to have someone to go to if I have any questions, whether it's advisory or about classes that I should take, or if I need a recommendation letter. It’s been very nice to be able to work with them.”
Reid is now on track to finish a degree at YVC. Afterward they plant to transfer to Central Washington University to earn a bachelor’s degree. Ultimately, they plan to work as an interpreter in the local community.
Both Kincaid and Reid have received $250 scholarships from the YVC Foundation. They will also each receive a commemorative medallion and $250 scholarship from KeyBank in April when they honored at the All-Washington Academic Team ceremony at South Puget Sound Community College.
Furthermore, they will also be placed in competition for the All-USA Academic Team and New Century Pathway Scholarship awards and are eligible for additional scholarship funding through many four-year colleges and universities in Washington when they transfer from YVC.
Story by Stefanie Menard, AA-DTA ’05, communications consultant. Photos by Matt Barton, graphic designer/multimedia content producer.