Ivy is graduating this weekend with her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Human Services and minoring in Sociology. We are so proud of the journey she has taken and the hard work she dedicated to her education. She is an inspiration and it is a joy to share some of her thoughts with you all as she brings this chapter to a close. Thanks for being such a gift to our team Ivy and we are celebrating you virtually.
Q: First of all, how does it feel to have reached this huge accomplishment?
A: As I enter the post-grad world, there are many contrasting feelings. I’ve realized that it’s okay to feel anxiousness, doubt, and excitement all at the same time. There were many periods throughout my higher education that I felt a lack of belonging or lack of confidence in my abilities as a student or professional. I am incredibly proud of myself for challenging those feelings of doubt with positive self-reflection, compassion, and gratitude. I’ve always envisioned walking at my college graduation as the moment I would feel the real sense of accomplishment, and I’ve come to accept that my real sense of accomplishment comes from reflecting on my personal, and educational journey. I now feel self-assured in my choice for higher education and eager to start my professional journey in Human Services.
Q: What advice would you give other students who are either thinking about college or in the process of completing a degree?
A: Your mental and physical health should always be your #1 priority. Creating compassionate and loving boundaries between your mental health and education is going to prepare you for a lifetime of setting boundaries in personal relationships and professional settings. This can look like self-reflection, incorporating self-care in your routine, or learning when you should say “no”.
Q: What did you wish you would have known as you navigated higher education?
A: As an alumnus of foster care, there were many times I felt isolated with my experiences. As I look back, I wish I would have made more of an effort to utilize the resources at WWU to connect with students that shared that identity. Through the Passport to College scholarship, I was invited to events to participate in social events with other foster-youth at WWU. It’s important to try and find a sense of community and belonging within higher education and connecting to other students with shared experiences is valuable to academic and emotional success.
Q: How did completing your Financial Aid application help you reach your goals?
A: Completing my financial aid application created more flexibility within my educational experience. While financial aid paid for most of my tuition, I was able to comfortably work part-time at local restaurants throughout the last 6 years to get the most out of my college experience. Luckily, when I graduated from Mt. Baker high school in 2015 (wow!), there were individuals in the community that was available to walk me through the financial aid application when I was accepted to Whatcom Community College.
Q: What will you miss the most about college?
A: While I’m happy to say goodbye to late-night studying, APA citations, and slipping on the bricks in Red Square, I will miss the small Human Services community of faculty and students. One of the hardest parts of transitioning to virtual learning was the absence of in-person group discussions, which were the largest contributor to my learning. Being able to discuss relevant social-justice-related topics with educated professors, and students with shared interests was incredibly valuable to my understanding of what it meant to be a life-long learner.
Q: What a favorite memory you have from your time at Western?
A: My favorite memory from Western is taking John Korsmo’s HSP 301 (Human Services Professionals and Personal Systems) course my first quarter at WWU. This was the first time that I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be in my higher education. We did presentations about our journey, and why we chose Human Services, and this allowed me to critically think about why this field is so important to me.
Q: What’s your next chapter looking like?
A: A few weeks before my last assignment was due, I started looking for an entry-level Human Services job in Seattle. After changing my resume a few times, practicing interviewing skills, and adjusting cover letters, I got a job offer from Within Reach in Seattle, WA. I’ll be moving from Bellingham to Seattle to start my job as a Coordinated Access Specialist for families in King County. I am excited to start this next stage of my life, and I am looking forward to exploring a new city, new food, and new thrift shops!
Thanks for sharing your wisdom and allowing us to celebrate with you.