SPSCC Soundwaves, Summer 2021

SOUTH

PUGET

SOUND

COMMUNITY

COLLEGE

SUMMER QUARTER 2021

Meet

PERCY

the Kraken

ON THE COVER

SEVEN ARMS, THREE HEARTS, ONE AWESOME MASCOT

On Friday, April 2, a small group of past and current student leaders met at the newly completed Health & Wellness Center to officially welcome Percy the Kraken to the Clipper family.

Percy (pronouns they / them / their) is more than a mascot.

They’re a student-led project that spanned over four years from idea to completion. SPSCC student leaders devoted a year to allow time to research, talk over concepts, and look at sketches before selecting the kraken by vote. And it’s easy to see why the legendary deep sea creature won out.

Why a Character Mascot?

From the very beginning, the intention behind developing a mascot wasn’t about replacing the current Clipper mascot. Instead, the story of the kraken intersects with and enhances the existing Clipper mascot. SPSCC Clipper Athletics, along with their iconic clipper ship logo, will remain, but the presence of

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a physical mascot at games and campus events is something that students felt was missing from SPSCC. Named after the Percival Creek that runs through SPSCC’s Olympia Campus, Percy is a defender of The Clipper Nation and we can’t wait to see them around campus soon.

"Everyone is excited about Percy and how they can better our learning community and draw us closer together."

- Jonathan Fink

Scan with your camera for the big reveal from April 2

>

The Students Who Brought Percy to Life Kristina Hoferer and Jonathan Fink were two of the past students able to join in the big reveal.

Kristina served as Vice President of Clubs and Organizations from 2018 to 2020 and is currently attending Brigham Young University-Hawaii remotely to earn a Bachelor’s degree in TESOL Education.

"My first Senate team initially came up with this character brand idea, and my second team continued it, so seeing the final product come to life and interact with the students is surreal to me," said Kristina. “We saw so many funny and creative drawings that made the entire mascot committee laugh and enjoy the process."

Jonathan served as ASB President from 2018 to 2019 and is currently attending The Evergreen State College, studying Experimental Animation and Documentary Film.

“My favorite part was seeing how excited people got when talking about Percy, and all the ideas everyone had on how they could better our learning community and draw us closer together,” Jonathan said. ■

The Origin Story of Percy Born in the midst of the rumbling, roaring deep sea volcanoes of the Ring of Fire, Percy the Kraken began their life far beneath the angry surface of the Pacific Ocean. Percy quickly grew restless from the noise and chaos and was eager to see the world above the waves. In search of peace and quiet, Percy rose through the murky waters of the Salish Sea and eventually made their home in the secluded, shallow waters of Percival Creek.

GET TO KNOW PERCY PRONOUNS: THEY / THEM / THEIR HEIGHT: 7 FEET STRENGTHS: CAMOUFLAGE, LIMB REGENERATION, AND THE ABILITY TO GIVE SEVEN HUGS AT ONCE FAVORITE MOVIE: CLASH OF THE TITANS (THEIR AUNT WAS IN IT) FAVORITE FOOD: KING CRAB

In 2020, construction on SPSCC's Olympia Campus disturbed Percy's hidden lair and reminded them of their tumultuous days in the deep sea. Usually content to stay hidden from the bustling bodies who moved about on the lands above their hideaway, Percy grew angry and set out to put a stop to dismantle the foes causing the disruption.

As they searched, Percy quickly came upon the Clippers: a group of people working hard to achieve success through education. After many hours spent observing these mysterious Clippers, Percy decided that instead of making a meal of the Clippers, they wanted to make them allies. That's when Percy solemnly vowed to forevermore vanquish all those who stand in the way of the Clippers.

Percy now spends their days supporting Clippers on the court, in the field, in the classroom, and in the community.

Summer 2021

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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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FEATURED CAREER PATHWAY

MEDICAL ASSISTING Tien Tran moved to the Pacific Northwest from Vietnam in 2011. That fall, she enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) and high school completion classes at SPSCC. After completing her high school diploma, she worked a couple jobs and ended up as a licensed homecare aid. After a few years, she knew she was ready to come back to SPSCC and further her education.

“I was proud of myself for getting the diploma, but I had thought about a career in medical assisting since before I came to the U.S.” Medical assistants play a unique role, combining clinical training with administrative skills to work in the office, exam room, and medical lab. They work closely with patients and medical staff to provide excellent service and ensure a patient’s stay is as comfortable and beneficial as possible. The combination of providing care and working with patients is a big part of what appealed to her about the program.

“I’ve always been passionate about healthcare and I love working with people,” said Tien.

Tien enrolled in the Medical Assisting program in January 2018 and graduated in June 2019. Since graduating, she took a position at SPSCC working as an Instruction and Classroom Support Technician in the Medical Assisting program.

Her role at SPSCC involves maintaining the medical supplies used in labs and working directly with current students. Tien assists students with questions on their homework, teaches them how to check vitals, and advises them on what to study for the national exam to become a certified medical assistant.

Tien said she’s happy in her currently role, but she’s also planning for her future. Her next goal will likely be earning a phlebotomy certification to help further her skills and add to her career growth. Her advice to anyone who may be thinking about starting a career in healthcare or medical assisting is to make the commitment and just go for it.

“SPSCC is a good place to start a career,” Tien said. “The standard of teaching and instructors’ dedication can help you succeed in the program. If you commit and are willing to learn, you’ll have success.” ■

median salary MEDICAL ASSISTANT

$47,200 ANNUAL JOB OPENINGS

91

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

Summer 2021

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STEPS TO ENROLL 1

2

APPLY

Submit an admissions application online for free.

spscc.edu/start/steps

SET UP EMAIL & PORTAL

Activate your student email and open your mySPSCC portal.

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.

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

GET REGISTERED

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

APPLY NOW FOR SUMMER QUARTER! Starts July 6 | Online, hybrid & in-person Complete the FAFSA or WASFA ASAP Tuition & Fees Due June 15

PAYING FOR COLLEGE

APPLY FOR SPSCC SCHOLARSHIPS NOW!

spscc.edu/pay-for-college

∙ Get between $400 and $5,000. ∙ Open to new and current students attending in Fall 2021. ∙ Apply by June 30.

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.

spscc.edu/scholarships

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.

ABE, Parent Coop, ESL, GED® $10.00 per quarter

Number of Credits

Washington Resident

Non-Washington Resident, US Citizen

Non-Resident, International

1

$113.04

$128

$291.28

5

$565.20

$640

$1,456.40

12

$1,242.28

$1,393.48

$3,039.24

15

$1,410.10

$1,563.70

$3,228.90

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COMPLETE THE FAFSA OR WASFA

Technology Fee:

2020-21 TUITION

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APPLY BY JUNE 22

All Other Students $40.00/quarter (1-9 credits) $50.00/quarter (10+ credits and Running Start students) Student Building Fee: All students $6.00 per credit (all credits)

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.)

HOW TO GET HANDS-ON (AND IN-PERSON) THIS FALL SPSCC recently shared a list of added in-person classes coming to Olympia and Lacey campuses this fall. From pre-college math to ESL to drama and music, there are many ways for students to connect face-to-face and begin their back-to-campus college experience.

The classes that have remained in-person and hybrid through it all, though, are many of the outstanding classes in our Professional Technical programs.

SPSCC Prof Tech, or career-based, programs have always been a great way to earn a post-high school credential, make more money, advance your career, or set a new career trajectory. What’s even better, there’s a place for all types of students to set a new goal and join a Prof Tech program, from high school Running Start students to transitioning service members to returning adults.

New in Prof Tech at SPSCC

The newly revamped Machining Technologies program (previously called Advanced Manufacturing) is more hands-on than ever. The 6-quarter program now works closer with local employers and allows for specializations in its second year, including programming, repair, set-up, and additive manufacturing. Students can even get started this summer with a 5-credit 3D Printing class.

Cybersecurity & Network Administration was also improved to serve as an evening and weekend program that works great for those currently in a full-time career. With online evening classes and just five on-site weekends each quarter, students can earn their degree in two years.

SPSCC is proud to announce its newest Direct Transfer Agreement degree, the Associate in Computer Science.

This degree is meant for students who wish to transfer to a university after completing their two-year degree at SPSCC. Learn more at spscc.edu/prof-tech, and don’t miss the Prof Tech Programs Spotlight via Zoom from June 8 – 11. ■

Prof Tech Programs at SPSCC Accounting Architecture, Engineering & Construction Technology Automotive Technology Baking & Pastry Arts Business Administration Craft Brewing & Distilling Culinary Arts Cybersecurity & Network Administration Dental Assisting Early Childhood Education Information Systems (CIS) Information Technology Support Machining Technologies Medical Assisting Medical Coding & Billing Nursing Office Technology & Administration Paralegal Software Development Welding Technology Machining Technologies alumna Joanna Claxton at the 2019 opening of Lacey Building 3.

Summer Summer 2021 2021

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77

2011 Mottman Rd. SW Olympia, WA 98512

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PARENT EDUCATION

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

Parent-Child Weekly Classes Eastside Co-op Preschool Capitol Forest Cooperative Preschool Steamboat Island Co-op Preschool Westside Cooperative Preschool

Register now for Summer and Fall

spscc.edu/parent-ed

June 8 - 11, 2021

PROF TECH PROGRAMS

SPOTLIGHT Each evening, join us on Zoom as we spotlight SPSCC’s exciting and growing career-based programs.

spscc.edu/prof-tech-event