Degree
Associate in Arts – Direct Transfer Agreement, Associate in Business – Direct Transfer
What was your favorite class at GHC and why?
My four math classes (Precalculus 1, Intro to Finite Math, Business Calculus, and Statistics) with Professor Kuester. If I had to choose only one, it would be Business Calculus with Professor Kuester. Professor Kuester is the reason why the math classes were my favorite at GHC; he has been my favorite professor at GHC. He not only tolerates but encourages my questions, loves his material, loves helping his students, and enjoys debating philosophical and moral quandaries with me, as I do.
Did you participate in any extracurricular activities while attending GHC?
Yes. I’ve participated in these extracurricular activities every quarter I attended: the GHC Symphony Orchestra as a soloist and a second violinist, second chair; the GHC Jazz Choir as the bass section leader and a soloist; the GHC String Ensemble as a concertmaster and second violinist, first chair; and the Puyallup Homeschool Orchestra as a concertmaster and a violin soloist. I’ve also done Advanced Voice Lessons with Ian Dorsch, singing in French, German, and Italian. Through my voice lessons, I was invited to sing in the invitation-only, annual GHC Honors Concert, both this year and last.
I am an active member of my church, Messiah Lutheran Church in Lacey. I assist with property maintenance, volunteering, choir, and perform solo violin and voice. I am an active member in the Living Hope Co-Op choir in Puyallup, where I’ve been a vocal soloist, section leader, and violin soloist.
What are your future educational and/or career goals?
I plan to attend Saint Martin’s University in the Fall to pursue my Bachelor’s in Business Administration. I plan to continue learning more about business as I build a network of peers and mentors around me. I will be learning how to grow my brand-new business and live out my dream of being an entrepreneur.
What advice would you give to future students?
My advice is: Seek Truth. It is made up of many parts: “be who you say you are,” “do what you say you’ll do,” “don’t lie,” and more. In a world increasingly full of confusion and hopelessness, you need to find what is true and hold on to it. Colleges and universities are the places for students like us to find universal truths and hold on to them. It is not just the place to advance your career or get your dream job; it’s the place to contemplate deep and important topics, to debate, argue, disagree, reject falsehood, embrace truth, and ultimately end up with a structure to build on for the rest of your life. Don’t skip out on your assigned homework. Listen to your professors and take their suggestions. Ask them what, how, and more importantly, why. When you do this, you deepen your own understanding, support your education, and give your professors more fulfillment in their job. Most importantly, whenever I was lacking in truth, fulfillment, purpose or wisdom, I read the Bible. My favorite books in it are John and Proverbs. When I struggled to understand or wanted to understand more clearly, I went to a church with wise man who explained it to me.
Would you like to recognize anyone for supporting your educational journey?
I would like to thank Ms. Christmas for being my advisor, my family for supporting me, and God for giving me the strength and skills to succeed. Ms. Christmas has been so helpful, and she encouraged me to pursue my business degree when I was unsure. My family has always supported me, and they’ve worked so hard to fill the hole I left while I was studying at GHC. I would not be here without God providing me the courage, strength, and ability to continue. Nothing I’ve done or continued to do would’ve been possible without His Spirit within me. He saved me and lifted me up. All glory be to Christ.
Is there any other information that you would like to share?
I would like to thank Grays Harbor College for everything it has provided me: a community to be filled up by and our myself into, a challenge to apply my work ethic to, and incredible experiences that I will remember for the rest of my life