SPSCC Soundwaves, Summer 2022

SOUTH

PUGET

SOUND

SUMMER QUARTER 2022

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

ON THE COVER

LOUD AND PROUD

Meet Avian

Creating Community

Finding a place of belonging is an incredibly special experience.

It’s not something that happens overnight and may take months, even years, of searching. But, when you do find that place or group of people that welcomes and celebrates you, you create connections that last a lifetime.

For the past six years, Avian has been sailing competitively as part of Capital High School’s sailing team. He started in their kids’ summer camps and eventually moved up the ranks from the middle school team to varsity. “I’ve made lots of friends and everyone on the team is accepting and supportive of me being queer,” said Avian.

Avian de Keizer Mendoza is a Running Start student at SPSCC who’s involved in a little bit of everything. From being a student- Now that he has his certification, Avian also helps teach those athlete on Capital High School’s same summer camps. Although sailing team to the vice presihe never thought of himself as dent of the Rainbow Spectrum, someone who would enjoy "I really want to provide a safe space for he always strives to create a working with kids, he was surqueer people and I also want it to be fun!" safe and accepting community prised by how much fun it was. for everyone wherever he goes.

“It’s really cool to see them - Avian de Keizer Mendoza growing up, joining the pro“It can be hard for a queer gram, and just being a part of person, especially being that,” said Avian.

“A lot of the kids are so enthusiastic. Sometimes younger and growing up,” said Avian. “I’m now comfortable with they make drawings for us or their parents tell us how much myself, but it was a journey to get there. It would’ve been much harder without good environments like school LGBT+ clubs, sail- they’re enjoying camp. It warms my heart and makes me feel like I’m doing a good job as an instructor.” ing, and the support I found at SPSCC.”

Student Avian de Keizer Mendoza

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SOUNDWAVES

Scan with your camera to hear more from Avian de Keizer Mendoza

Avian’s leadership skills also helped him land his current position as the vice president of SPSCC’s Rainbow Spectrum, a student club focused on supporting the LGBTQIA+ community and educating non-members. Similar past clubs faded during the pandemic, so when a friend invited Avian to help revive the club, he was excited and ready to take on a leadership position.

Avian and the Rainbow Spectrum have some big plans for the future. Alongside having in-person meetings again, they hope to host other events such as history presentations, trivia games, and movie nights all with a focus on LGBTQIA+. They would also like to bring back Gay Prom, a dance held for LGBTQIA+ students and their friends.

“I really want to provide a safe space for queer people and I also want it to be fun!” Avian said.

Getting to Know Yourself The journey of finding and creating a place of belonging often comes with taking the time to better understand yourself. This can mean thinking about things like self-image and mental health. It can be a process that requires a lot of patience, but the result is incredibly satisfying.

Avian experienced this when he found his passion for working out. Due to a medical condition, Avian was limited to what exercises he could do. A recent surgery opened many opportunities for him and he began going to the gym at least three times a week.

“I started going to the gym over the pandemic and working out at home,” said Avian. “I was never able to do that before, so I was excited when I found out that I really enjoyed it. Not only do I like it as an activity, but it also makes me feel a lot better about myself whether or not my physical appearance changes. When I work out, I’m not trying to lose weight. I do it for how it makes me feel accomplished and proud of myself.”

Avian has especially enjoyed his access to the Health & Wellness Center’s weight room, a convenient and free space for all SPSCC students.

“It’s great because you can bring friends,” he said. “Working out with others is nice and motivates me more.”

Working out with friends and other students at the gym has helped Avian gain a better understanding of his own self-image and mental health. It’s also a space where he feels represented and a part of a bigger community.

“Sometimes I feel really insecure because I don’t have the body of someone who goes to the gym every day,” Avian added. “But then I thought that people like me would see me and make that connection, that they would see themselves represented. When I go to the gym, I do that as well. If I see people at the gym with the same body type as me it makes me feel good. It’s so ingrained in us that there’s only one image of fitness, but that’s not true.” ■

WE SEE YOU WE HEAR YOU WE'RE WITH YOU SPSCC is committed to advancing equity and embracing diversity.

Achieve your educational and personal growth goals at the A. Barbara Clarkson Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Center Access college and community resources at the Personal Support Center Find your community by joining student clubs Gender inclusive restrooms can be found throughout campus Expand your knowledge by attending workshops hosted by staff, faculty, and visiting speakers Explore IGNITE and Black Scholars programs to further build community and college success

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PATHWAYS

spscc.edu/areas

Pathways allow you to take classes related to your interests, earn your degree faster, and graduate. ● Certificate ● **AAS: Associate in Applied Science ● *AA: Associate in Arts (transfer degree) *AS: Associate in Science (transfer degree)

Arts & Communications Art ● Communication Studies ● Drama ● English ● Film ● Music ● Philosophy ●

Automotive, Welding & Machining Automotive Technology ● ● Machining Technologies ● ● Welding Technology ● ●

Business, Finance & Office Administration

Accounting ● ● Business ● Business Administration ● ● Economics ● Entrepreneurship ● Office Technology & Administration ● ●

Cultural Studies

Anthropology ● History ● Humanities ● International/Intercultural Studies ● Languages ●

Food, Beverage Arts & Hospitality Baking & Pastry Arts ● Craft Brewing & Distilling ● Culinary Arts ● ●

Government, Public & Non-Profit Administration Criminal Justice ● pre-Law ● Paralegal ● ● Political Science ●

Pathways, degrees, and certificates are subject to change.

Healthcare

Allied Health ● ● ● Dental Assisting ● ● Medical Assisting ● Medical Coding & Billing ● pre-Medicine ● Naturopathic Medicine ● Nursing ● ● Nutrition ● Physical Therapy ● pre-Veterinary Medicine ●

Information Technology

Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technology ● ● ● Computer Science ● Cybersecurity & Network Administration ● Information Systems ● Information Technology Computer Support ● ● Software Development ●

Science, Engineering & Math Astronomy ● Biology ● Botany ● Chemistry ● Earth Science ● Engineering ● Environmental Science ● Geology ● Math ● Oceanography ● Physics ●

Social Services & Education Early Childhood Education ● ● ● Education ● Parent Education ● Psychology ● Sociology ● Social Work ●

Pre-College & ESL Adult Basic Education, English as a Second Language (ESL), High School Completion (High School+, GED®), I-BEST

South Puget Sound Community College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, honorably discharged veteran or military status, sexual orientation, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies and Title IX compliance inquiries: Executive Human Resources Officer, 2011 Mottman Rd SW, Olympia, WA, 98512, 360-596-5361. SPSCC publications are available in alternate formats upon request by contacting the Access Services Office at 360-596-5306.

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SOUNDWAVES

FEATURED CAREER PATHWAY

PATHWAY TO LAW SCHOOL Isaid Orozco was studying to become an attorney in Colombia before moving to the U.S. At SPSCC, he took English as a Second Language (ESL) and pre-law classes to prepare for a career in the American legal system. Now, Isaid is a student at Seattle University’s School of Law, one of the top three law schools in Washington State.

“I chose law because I believe that education is a way of seeking justice.”

Living through a time of great conflict in Colombia, Isaid witnessed many inequities and expensive attorneys that were a barrier for those seeking justice. He went to law school to become an attorney that was accessible to everyone. “I wanted to make a change by helping the community and those who were vulnerable,” he said.

His goals didn’t change when he moved to the U.S., but there was a new obstacle he had to overcome: learning English. He was introduced to SPSCC’s ESL program by a friend.

“Many people told me while I was taking my ESL classes that law here is different. ‘You won’t be able to study law here, you’ll have to find something else,’” said Isaid. “But I just wanted to keep going. I’m not going to change my path.”

Isaid is thankful that, rather than discouraging him, his ESL professors were incredibly supportive and continuously helped him grow his network. He eventually connected with paralegal professor Adam Tenenbaum who helped Isaid develop a plan to get into law school.

Isaid found a community with SPSCC’s Learning Support Services (LSS) while preparing his essays and materials for applications.

Isaid thought of LSS as a space where he could connect with others and share his experiences.

“I learned a lot of writing skills there,” he said. “That really helped me express my situation and ideas, how I overcame many things in my life. Writing essays seems simple, but it’s so essential in life.”

In 2021, Isaid graduated from law school in Colombia and was accepted into Seattle University’s School of Law. He’s looking forward to continuing his education and continuing to improve the legal system.

“There’s a lot of work to be done,” said Isaid. “We need to keep working on inclusion, equity, and diversity. I think Washington is doing a good job, but it’s a slow process and I’m very excited to start navigating that.”

“ESL is a really accessible program,” said Isaid, reflecting on his time at SPSCC. “It’s almost no cost and they have such wonderful people there. They won’t only help you with your English, but they will also help you find your path in life.” ■

LAWYERS IN THURSTON COUNTY

median salary $102,442 ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS

45

Source - Career Coach by Emsi: spscc.edu/careercoach

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STEPS TO ENROLL 1

APPLY

Submit an admissions application online for free.

2

spscc.edu/start/steps

3 PLAN TO PAY

ACTIVATE YOUR STUDENT ACCOUNTS

Fill out the FAFSA or WASFA to apply for financial aid (grants and loans) and learn about funding and payment options.

Activate your ClipperID and ctcLink account to access your SPSCC email and resources.

4 GET PLACED

5

Take a Guided Self Placement for English and math or submit test scores or transcripts to get placed in the correct classes.

GET REGISTERED

Complete the Pathway Selection Survey (PaSS) and New Student Advising & Registration (NSAR) to learn about resources, meet advisors, and pick your Pathway and classes.

PLAY

PUSH ON YOUR EDUCATION THIS SUMMER

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

spscc.edu/pay-for-college

COMPLETE THE FAFSA OR WASFA The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) helps you determine what financial awards, grants, and loans you can receive. Do this important step first, and include SPSCC’s school code: 005372.

Get started at fafsa.gov.

Washington State offers financial aid programs to students who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid, sometimes because of immigration status.

Complete the WASFA at readysetgrad.wa.gov/wasfa.

Technology Fee: ABE, Parent Coop, ESL, GED® $10.00 per quarter All Other Students $40.00/quarter (1-9 credits) $50.00/quarter (10+ credits and Running Start students)

CLASSES START JULY 5 6

SOUNDWAVES

Matriculation Fee: All students $20.00 per quarter Course Fees: Listed in class schedule if required.

Associated Student Programs Fee: Running Start students $5.00 per credit (up to $50 max.)

Student Building Fee: All students $6.00 per credit (all credits)

2021-22 TUITION Number of Credits

Washington Resident

Non-Washington Resident, US Citizen

Non-Resident, International

1

$116.05

$131.27

$299.12

5

$580.25

$656.35

$1,495.60

12

$1,275.42

$1,429.22

$3,121.04

15

$1,447.80

$1,604

$3,315.80

HEALTH & WELLNESS GOES NEXT LEVEL

Past student leaders Jonathan, Kate, and Zak join ASB president Vinnie and Percy the Kraken at the Health & Wellness Center ribbon cutting.

“On behalf of the students, I want to thank the college and community for the support and partnership in prioritizing the Health & Wellness Center for the campus and its students,” said Vinnie Nguyen, current ASB President.

Wellness Center. The proposal was approved by the Board of Trustees in May 2017 and construction began the following year.

The Center was completed in the fall of 2020, but access to the space was limited until this year due to the pandemic.

Nearly three years after the groundbreaking, SPSCC celebrated the completion of the Health & Wellness Center with a ribboncutting event on April 12. Students, alumni, staff, faculty, and members of the community were welcomed in to tour the student-funded space including the renovated gym, new auxiliary gym, and expanded weight and cardio room options.

Past ASB Senators were present for the ribbon cutting including Jonathan Fink (2018-19 ASB President), Kate Armstrong (2016-17 Student Senator of Legislative Affairs), and Zak Hussain (201415 ASB President). During her speech, Vinnie Nguyen thanked those who helped make the students’ dream athletics facility a reality.

The completion of the Center is the culmination of many years of hard work from students and the SPSCC community. In 2015, the ASB Student Senate formed a sub-committee dedicated to researching student needs in a comprehensive health and wellness space. After two years of research, student surveys, and visits to other community college facilities, the Senate collaborated with a design committee to draft floor plan options and establish a concept for students to vote on. The final floor plan included spaces for physical exercise as well as study rooms.

“Although I may be the one standing here today with the honor of cutting the ribbon and giving this speech, I would like to give a huge recognition to the student leaders who came before me,” she said. “Without their hard work, dedication, and efforts, none of this could’ve been possible.”

In April 2017, SPSCC students voted to approve a referendum to assess a student fee to fund the construction of the Health &

“The legacy of this building will leave a footprint for future years to come, as a space that not only promotes health and well-being on campus, but also as a space that builds strong engagement, connections, exciting athletic events, and many other student programs that will give memorable and meaningful experiences for students here at SPSCC.” ■

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7

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PARENT EDUCATION

Supporting families in our community through in-person, hybrid, and online parenting classes.

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