Pronouns 
He/Him 

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate in Arts Transfer, Spring 2024 

Hometown 
Selah, Wash. 

High School Attended 
Selah High School 

Major 
Computer Science, Cybersecurity  

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
Selah High School Swim Team 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Community, Educational, Social 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
My favorite class has been astronomy. I took it last fall. Learning about the galaxy and other planets and our universe brought [into perspective] my body, my knowledge [in relation to] our world. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
[English Instructor] Dan Peters is my mentor here. I took his English 101 class and he really helped me out. He was very collaborative and he was very helpful whenever I needed help. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC in the Running Start program? 
What interested me in doing the Running Start program was the challenge. I wanted to experience college life before jumping into a university. My older brothers are both currently in college, and they help me out. My oldest brother did Running Start when he was in high school, and he showed me the [fundamentals] of what a Running Start was.  

What impact did being a first-generation college student have on your experience? 
Being a first-gen student is kind of exciting, but also it's kind of scary because my parents didn't go through it. Running Start helped me boost my confidence in myself with my education.  

How did you decide on a major? 

I took a class in middle school on block coding. After I took that class it brought in my aspect of how technology is evolving around us so quickly. I realized I wanted to be a part of that. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 
My favorite spot on campus is Glenn Anthon Hall. A bunch of high school Running Start students are there. It puts into perspective [being with] other kids [who] are doing the exact same as me. 

Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to be successful at YVC? 
I'm a very big procrastinator. In high school [there is more flexibility] to just do whatever you want, whenever you want, but in college there are [more] due dates for your assignments and everything [is more structured]. YVC has made me better at planning out my assignments. And so, procrastination is not a big problem for me anymore. 

How has Yakima Valley College changed you? 
YVC has changed me because it puts into perspective what college life is going to be like outside of high school. Seeing all the [differences] between high school and college [has been enlightening]. 

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 Math and Writing centers. You can go in there whenever you want, and you can ask questions and there are staff there to help you whenever you need. Using [these centers] have really helped me boost my grades. Taking the time to actually go there and getting the help is very beneficial.  

What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up? 
My ultimate goal is to finish my bachelor’s degree and then pursue a master’s degree. I’d like to get a job working in cybersecurity for the CIA.  

What advice do you have for prospective students? 
To other prospective Running Start student I’d share that it may be more difficult than high school, but it is worth it in the long run. You get so much more experience with the college life, and you get ahead of the game and save money and time.