"Yakima Valley College has changed me by allowing me to grow and broaden my horizons. This is such a good place to be to rise to your potential and learn a lot of useful skills along the way. "
Pronouns
She/Her
Degree/Certificate & Class Year
Associate in Arts, DTA
Hometown
Yakima, Wash.
Extracurriculars (E.G, Clubs YVC Sports Teams)
TRIO Student Support Services, Art Club
What three words would you use to describe YVC?
Diverse, Inspiring, Helpful
What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?
My favorite class would be Photo 101. That class helped me tap into my creativity
and imagination. I look at things differently now due to that class, everything is
art.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
My mentors on campus would be [Art Instructor] Kayo Nakamura and [Art Department Secretary
Senior] Heather Harrison.
What made you want to come to YVC?
What made me want to come to YVC was the opportunity to thrive and not just survive,
and to create a better life for myself through the help of experience, connection/networking
and education.
How did you decide on a major?
I decided to be an art major because I have always expanded my world/reality through
my creativity, innovation and big imagination. Art has been a part of my life since
I was a child. This comes naturally to me and seems like the right career path to
take. After all, doing what you love doesn't feel like work.
Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to be successful at YVC? Please describe.
My own self-doubt and limiting beliefs have been the biggest barriers in my life that
I have overcome and am still overcoming as far as being successful in anything I do.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
What I find most interesting about my major is the diversity within the art itself
and the wide range of ways of achieving masterpieces.
Where do you find your community on campus?
I find my community within the different classes that I take each quarter and within
Palmer Martin Hall because that is where I spend a lot of my time as a paint studio
service worker.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
The advice I have for prospective students would be to ignore that negative voice
within them when it comes to following their dreams and instead follow the voice that
says "Do it!" It is well worth the experience, I promise.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I don't have a favorite spot on campus, it changes often. One day I might want to
sit in a quiet secluded area to study and or gather my thoughts, the next day I might
want to join the cafe or HUB (Hopf Union Building) to enjoy a light meal and socialize.
It just depends.
How has Yakima Valley College changed you?
Yakima Valley College has changed me by allowing me to grow and broaden my horizons.
The different connections I've made with thriving students and innovative staff have
helped me get out of my own way and see myself the way others see me which is dependable,
calm and a leader. This is such a good place to be to rise to your potential and learn
a lot of useful skills along the way.
How do you manage stress?
I manage stress by taking things one day at a time. One moment at a time if need be.
I don't let myself get overloaded with emotion or thoughts. I decompress by doing
things that I enjoy, and I make sure that I am on top of my studies so I don't fall
into an anxious state. I try not to be hard on myself and remember that I get to live,
learn and try again. I also eat whole foods, drink plenty of water, exercise for 30
minutes 5 days a week, and stay connected with family and friends for support.
Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule?
I am currently a part-time work-study student here at YVC. I work in the paint studio
as a paint studio service worker while attending school full-time. YVC has done an
amazing job with understanding my school, work and personal life. They understand
that my education is my main priority. This has helped me to not overwork myself.
YVC is lenient when it comes to the time I dedicate to work-study. I work this into
my schedule by being mindful of my personal needs and educational needs. I am considerate
of my time and work on managing it well so that I get everything done and also have
time to rest/decompress.
What do you view is your biggest achievement at YVC?
One of my biggest achievements at YVC was becoming a work-study student and maintaining
a work-study position because with this I can challenge my limiting beliefs and get
out of my comfort zone. Another big achievement of mine at YVC is being on the president's
list for maintaining a 4.0 GPA in the Fall of 2023. I am dedicated to achieving my
goals, personal and educational.
Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please
describe how this helped you on your journey.
I receive financial aid and this has helped me tremendously. I live alone and can
support myself with this funding while being a full-time student.
What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up?
My ultimate goal is to become a freelance graphic designer. I plan to graduate with
my Bachelor's in Fine Arts, majoring in art and minoring in digital design. I plan
to gain at least 3-5 years of experience in a corporate setting before I branch off
into entrepreneurship. I am excited for the future and embracing every moment.