Renee Zavala, Student Speaker Series

Hello and welcome to FuturesNW Student speaker series where we share stories by students, for students, from students. We believe that students are the experts at navigating tricky postsecondary systems and their stories have the power to dismantle secret handshakes that are barriers for first gen students succeeding in higher education.

In this video, Johana Martinez interviews Renee Zavala, and talks with her about her journey to Western Washington University, learning she has dyslexia from her first college, Whatcom Community College, and understanding the path she took to get the support she needed to thrive. Renee believes everyone is smart (we do too) and some of us just learn differently.

For more resources, information and stories of first gen students check out our resources below.

Website: http://www.futuresnw.org

Podcast: http://www.futuresnw.org/podcast

Blog: http://www.futuresnw.org/blog

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/futuresnw/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futuresnw2020/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/FuturesNorthwe1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@futuresnw2020

We recommend connecting to the Disability Access Services at your local institution. If you live in Whatcom and Skagit Counties we have links below to help you access that information easily. : )

Bellingham Technical College: https://www.btc.edu/CurrentStudents/D...

Location: College Services (CS)Room 106

Email: ar@btc.edu

Phone: 360.752.8345.

Northwest Indian College: https://www.nwic.edu/life-on-campus/t...

TRiO Student Support Service, Program Director, Joan Banel

Email: jbanel@nwic.edu

Phone: (360) 392-4331, cell: (360) 224-3255

Skagit Valley College: https://www.skagit.edu/disability-acc...

Mount Vernon Campus Location: Lewis Hall 121

Phone: 360.416.7666

Western Washington University: https://disability.wwu.edu/

Location: Wilson Library 170

Phone: Voice: 360.650.3083, VP: 360.255.7175

E-mail: drs@wwu.edu

Whatcom Community College: https://www.whatcom.edu/access

Access & Disability Services

Location: Laidlaw Center 116

Email: ADS@whatcom.edu

Phone: 360-383-3080 for appointment