Congratulations Renee! We are so proud of you and are cheering you on as you enter this next chapter in your life as a college graduate. The world needs people like you helping them out more than ever and we are grateful for your service to our community. We are excited to share your experience with other students who are considering going to or going back to college.
Q: First of all, how does it feel to have reached this huge accomplishment?
A: It has been fantastic and having graduated with a 4.0 makes me ecstatic. I never thought I would achieve this goal. I was never given the opportunity to receive an education, because of money and discrimination. I am proud of myself for not allowing negative circumstances to dictate my life and education.
Q: What advice would you give other students who are either thinking about college or in the process of completing a degree?
A: For those thinking about college I would tell them to get that degree. Do not let a fear, society or people’s negativity stop you from achieving your degree. You will never know what you can become unless you try.
Those completing their degree I would say do not give up. Always schedule self-care into your daily routine, it is just as important as homework. Communicate with professors weekly, they have to know you are serious about college. Building that relationship with professors, especially if you work, they need to know about you as a person. Do not worry about time, if you need a break take a quarter off. College can be difficult at times so be sure to make a schedule that is not stressful. For example, I remember I had to take Precalculus, and math was a difficult subject for me, my schedule consisted of, a P.E. yoga(self-care)class, math class, then an art class (self-care) and an English class. I had to have a balance of subjects for me not to be discouraged.
Q: What did you wish you would have known as you navigated higher education?
A: I wish I would have known I had dyslexia before I started college. I also wish I knew how many resources there are to help you as a student. Futures Northwest for one, because they have everything to help support students: FAFSA assistance, scholarships, different degree pathways and community assistance such as jobs, housing and food resources.
Q: How did completing your Financial Aid application help you reach your goals?
A: Financial Aid was a big reason why I was able to accomplish my educational goals. If I did not have that assistance, I would not have been able to get my degree. When I first started college, I did not know how to fill out the form in person or online. My sister had to help me with it.
Q: What will you miss the most about college?
A: While I’m happy to say goodbye to spending hours reading and doing homework, what I will miss the most is learning from my professors. The friendships I’ve made with both students and professors. Also, the resources in college are great, such as events, food assistance, career fairs and clubs.
Q: What a favorite memory you have from your time at Western?
A: My first quarter there when I was able to be on campus and Covid did not exist. I had a class with John Korsmo (great professor) that class was enlightening, and the students were very empathetic to one another. I have never met so many people that made me feel happy, a sense of community and belonging. I loved my first quarter a Western so much!
Q: What’s your next chapter looking like?
A: I will continue volunteering at Futures as long as possible. I am also looking for a job, I do not want to rush into anything, so I am taking it slowly to find something I feel good about. Then maybe further my education and go on to grad school at Western.
Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Renee’, and allowing us to celebrate with you!