“What I found most interesting about Vineyard & Winery Technology is the chemistry involved. There's more in winemaking than just crushing grapes.” 

Degree/Certificate & Anticipated Class Year 
Associate of Applied Science in Vineyard and Winery Technology ‘26 

Hometown 
Sunnyside 

Major 
Vineyard & Winery Technology 

How did you decide on a major? 
I was working at a winery as a lab assistant, and I realized I really loved working at the winery. My boss shared they have a program at YVC. And I was like, really? He encouraged me take a class and see how you like it. I took a class, and then from there I decided to switch from agribusiness to vineyard and winery technology. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
What I found most interesting was how there's a lot of chemistry involved and a lot more hands on stuff. There's more in winemaking than just crushing grapes. 

Are you a first-generation college student? If so, what does earning your college degree/certificate mean to you? 
Getting this degree means a lot to me because I'm the first one, and it's a stepping stone for my family. My sisters are also interested in going to school. I'm the oldest and I’ve kind of inspired them, because they see how I'm always getting awards and stuff like that. It has helped them realize that they want to do something as well. 

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? 
Honestly, at first I didn't know what I wanted to do. I knew for sure I wanted to go into STEM, but I did not know what area. I started in business and attended UW for two quarters. And then I came back to Sunnyside, for family reasons, and switched to YVC. Trent Ball [Agriculture Chair and Vineyard and Winery Technology Instructor], helped me a lot, figuring out the program, what it's about and everything. 

What made you interested in studying at YVC? 
After returning to Sunnyside I knew I wanted to continue my studies and YVC was the closest place to do that. I really like how the classes are small and it makes me be closer with the teachers. 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 

Grape to Glass Gala and volunteering at other wine program events 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Helpful, Caring, Fun 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
I would say my favorite class was Wine Sensory because that one expanded my knowledge of all the aromas that are in the wine. The type of glasses affects the aromas and the taste of the wine. I didn't know how glasses can affect the taste of the wine and [the class] helped me learn a lot about wine.  

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
Trent Ball. He has always helped me. He will send us emails with wine stuff, like events that are going on, and other helpful information. They recently had a WSU collab with YVC, Walla Walla and CWU to go to wineries. And that was cool because I didn't even know about it without him sending the information to me. I wouldn't have had the opportunity to go visit those wineries and see different types of wines that they make. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus? 
I'm always at the library. I like being by the window, studying and watching students walk by. I think it's great. 

How has Yakima Valley College changed you? 
I've been more outgoing, from going to these events and meeting new people. It's really fun. It makes me want to talk more and get to know people. I used to be really shy and just kept to myself. 

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
Right now I work at a local winery as a lab assistant. I work early in the mornings from 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and then I have my classes at Yakima Valley Vintners, the college’s teaching winery. Luckily, classes are in the evening from 6 to 9 p.m. At work, they let me work on schoolwork. I'm always learning new stuff because I get to work with a winemaker, he's always teaching me new stuff. 

What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC? 
I've been on the dean's list three times in a row and two times on the president’s list, which was really cool. It helped me believe in myself more that I can pass classes and makes me want to keep on going. 

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 resources I find most helpful are usually my teachers. I like talking to them, having  conversations. They teach me outside of school stuff and also help tell me where to go if they don't know something. 

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please describe how this helped you on your journey.  
So right now, I'm on WASFA and I’ve also received the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship. They’ve been really helpful. It has helped me save a lot of money, just not worrying about paying for school. 

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 through my classes. In the vineyard and winery program we all take the same classes and we see each other throughout the quarter. 

What are your educational or career goals after YVC? What are your dreams? 
We’ll see. A lot of people have been telling me to study abroad or go to California to study their wine. And that would be really interesting to see, how they produce wine in different areas. I’d like to be an assistant winemaker first and then work my way up.