STUDENT HONORS
Transforming Lives Award Each year the Washington State Association of College Trustees requests one nominee from each of the 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for the Transforming Lives Award. YVC’s nominee is Lori Fischer. Her unique story represents how community college, specifically the opportunities at YVC, impacted her life and her education. Lori Fischer grew up in the Yakima Valley and has made it her home. A victim of domestic abuse, Lori made the brave choice for herself and her family to escape. She focused on raising her children and helped encourage them to pursue their dreams. Now, years later, Lori has decided to make a change for herself. She enrolled at YVC and is working to earn her associate degree. “Work hard, believe in yourself, follow your dreams, and make good choices. Isn’t that what we’re all taught?” stated Fischer in her application letter. “Not Lori Fischer everyone. I don’t remember a time in my life when I was told to believe in myself, follow my dreams, or make good choices but it’s definitely what I tell my seven children every day,” she continued. Fischer will graduate this fall and plans to transfer to a four-year college or university. She hopes to one day teach in the Yakima Valley.
All-Washington Academic Team YVC is proud to announce the selection of Jose Zuniga and Kylie Ergeson as members of the 2017 All-Washington Academic Team. The scholarship program recognizes students from all 34 community and technical colleges in Washington State for outstanding accomplishments. A first-generation college student, Jose Zuniga graduated from Toppenish High School in 2005. When President Obama passed the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) in June 2012, Zuniga saw an opportunity to pursue his dream. With financial aid from the WASFA program he enrolled at YVC in Fall 2014 and quickly realized his passion for the sciences. A very driven student, Zuniga quickly became the President of the STEM Club and a member of YVC’s Phi Theta Kappa and Pre-Med Club. This past summer, Zuniga was selected to participate in YVC’s undergraduate research projects. Outside of the classroom, he works full-time as a mortgage loan officer and volunteers on weekends at Virginia Mason Memorial. He will graduate next spring and hopes to transfer to a four-year university and study biochemistry. Kylie Ergeson graduated as Valedictorian from Selah High School in 2015. During her senior year, her boyfriend was in a motorcycle accident and suffered a serious injury. As he recovered in the hospital, seeing the care provided by his team of nurses, Ergeson realized that she wanted to pursue a career helping others. In the fall she enrolled at YVC to complete her prerequisite courses for the nursing program. Ergeson is a member of YVC’s Nutrition Club, Healthy Teeth Club, and Phi Theta Kappa. She also works at the tutoring center, assisting students in the fields of chemistry, biology, nutrition, statistics, and sociology. This past spring Ergeson was selected to participate in YVC’s undergraduate research projects. Outside of the classroom she volunteers at Virginia Mason Memorial in the telemetry unit. She will graduate this spring and plans to transfer to the nursing program.
Jose Zuniga
Kylie Ergeson
Winter 2017 4