At YVC I learned to invest in myself and believe in myself.

Degree/Certificate Earned 
Associate of Applied Science in Substance Use Disorder (SUD), ‘24 
 
Hometown 
Goldendale  
 
Major 
Substance Use Disorder, Counseling 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
IDEAL Fellow, a Guided Pathways Initiative in Diversity, Equity, and Anti-racism Leadership (IDEAL). The fellowship program through the Washington State Board of Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) helps students explore how Washington’s community college system can implement practices and policies that advance equitable student outcomes. 

For the IDEAL fellowship I reviewed YVC’s policy regarding students with criminal histories living on campus. I have a criminal history and being legally impacted has held me back in the past. Helping with the inclusion project and helping people who are facing that type of thing is dear to me so when I had the opportunity to sign up, I did.  

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Accommodating, Diverse, Friendly. 

What made you interested in studying at Yakima Valley College? 
I graduated from treatment two years ago. Initially I went back to Goldendale. I knew I wanted to work in the addiction recovery field, so I moved to Yakima to be closer to the job I wanted and attend YVC’s SUD program. A lot of the counselors at the agency [where] I wanted to work, and I work out at now, got their education from YVC.  

How did you decide on a major? 
I started my addiction when I was 16 years old and dropped out of high school. I struggled with addiction for over 16 years and I’ve done many jobs — everything from construction to delivering pizza, I even spent some time as a ski bum, but nothing was fulfilling to me.  

Two years ago, I decided that I wanted to live. I knew that if I didn’t get sober, I wasn’t going to make it much longer. Death was knocking on my door. I’d given away every single thing of value to my addiction. I have a 12-year-old son. I wanted to be part of his life and wasn’t. I wanted to be the person I knew I was capable of being.  

When I entered recovery, I knew that I needed to do something else. I knew I liked helping people and wanted something that would be fulfilling and specifically help others find recovery.  

What would you say is the most important thing you learned at Yakima Valley College? 
I learned to invest in myself and believe in myself. I was really hesitant to begin going to college and getting a degree. I surprised myself with my willingness and drive and I’ve been able to be successful here. I haven’t just gotten by — I’ve been a good student.  

What was your favorite class? How did it expand your knowledge? 
SUD Counseling Techniques (SUD 270) has allowed me to dive deeper into different techniques I can use now in my current role as a SUD professional trainee. Another course I enjoyed was the Survey of SUD (SUD 160), it’s given me insight into how addicts and alcoholics have been treated. It’s given me the ability and helped put things in perspective.  

Who was your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
[SUD Instructor] Deniele Fleming. With her vast experience in the counseling field she’s been someone I can bounce ideas off of, not just in school but at work also. She encourages her students, especially those of us in recovery, to practice self-care so that we can help others. I believe she’s gone above and beyond to make sure each of her students is OK.  

Me being in recovery is part of my story and each of my teachers has been really supportive of me. Me being a student at YVC is a huge part of my story. This place has helped me get my dream job and I’m helping struggling alcohol or drug addicts make changes in their lives.  
 
Were there any barriers that you had to overcome to be successful at YVC? 
Having a criminal history did bar me from being able to live on campus and I’ve had to overcome a lot of stuff related to that. That’s part of the reason I signed up for the IDEAL fellowship so I could help others who are legally impacted.  

YVC has been really good. I’ve really appreciated [Re-Entry Corrections Navigator] Alex Bazan. His presence here working with people who are legally impacted and who are working to move forward is important, especially in an area like Yakima, where we have a higher concentration of people legally impacted.  

How does it feel to be graduating from YVC? 
It feels almost surreal. Given my history no one else would have thought this would happen for me. I’m just overwhelmed with gratitude for the opportunity I have here. All the hard work I have put in here is paying off. It’s all come down to this point. I am just grateful and proud of myself.  
 

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for supporting your journey here (an instructor, staff member, family, etc)? 
I’d like to thank my co-workers, clinical supervisor and experienced counselors for helping to guide me. They are amazing, encouraging and insightful and have helped me to become a counselor. They’ve done everything they can to help me get an education here.  
 

What’s next for you after graduation? What excites you about that? 
I plan to take a short break from school. Eventually I’d like to work towards a bachelor’s degree, maybe my master’s, and get certified and credentialed to work in the mental health field. Something I’ve learned from my past is to take things one day at a time.  

What advice do you have for prospective students? 
Believe in yourself. Anything is possible if you believe in yourself and have a drive for yourself. If I can do it, so can you. Don’t let anything in your past decide whether or not you can do it. There’s hardly any obstacle that can’t be overcame.  

Do you have anything else you’d like to share with us about your experience at YVC? 
I’ve really appreciated the opportunity I’ve gotten [at YVC]. I’ve grown as an individual over the last two years. My ethics and values have grown. I’m now a contributing member of society. That would not have been the case if I wouldn’t have gotten the education that I did.