three women two men smiling

Congratulations, Class of 2020, 2021 & 2022

Cheers to our Graduates of 2020, 2021 and 2022!

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Virginia Avila (she/they)

High School Diploma, High School 21+ program

“TCC is honestly a great school. You are literally an email or Zoom call away from the assistance and resources you need. Other schools don’t have that.”

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Dametra Bolar (she/her)

Associate in Applied Science, Human Services Professional

“I am a person that started online classes and was very fearful, but now I’ll take online for all of my future classes. I was taken out of my comfort zone and it elevated my life… I’ve already advanced in my career to clinician, so now I’m a higher level to serve my community.”

woman with curly long hair and black jacket smiling

Tyra Ditts (she/her)

Associate of Arts

“Next, I’m transferring to the University of Hawaii to study psychology. I want to eventually do mental health care for minority women and children, because it’s so important to be able to talk to someone that looks like you.”

Jordan Fernandez (he/him)

Associate of Arts with Business Specialization

"The thing that stood out most was playing soccer for the soccer team. We made it to semi-finals, so that was really exciting.”

man in plaid shirt and glasses and woman in peach jacket smiling

Randy Hecker (he/him) & Patrcia Hecker (she/her)

High School Diploma, Adult Basic Education

“Shockingly, all we needed was one quarter to finally get our high school diploma.” – Randy

“It feels like a weight has been lifted… We already have jobs, but we’re looking forward to moving forward and up in our careers.” – Patricia

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Hawah Jeruto (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing

“I’m now going to the Nursing Program at PLU. My baby just graduated NICU, so I’m planning on going into NICU… I’m not pausing, because when you pause you lose track. You just have to keep going and going. Even when you fail, you do not give up.”

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Melissa Littleton (she/her)

Bachelor of Applied Science, Applied Management

"Five years ago I would never have expected to be Student Body President, I would never expect to have the academic achievements that I have. And it's because I took the step to come here, and that people supported me, and people believed in me."

Lucinda Massaquoi (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Communication and Pre-Nursing

“I had to try and try and try. It took around four years, I had a baby along the way – It was not easy. But look at me now. I did it. I’m graduated with double associate degrees, I just got accepted to UW, and I’m super, super proud of myself.”

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Crystal Ono (she/her)

Early Childhood Education Certificate

“I have learned so much and grown so much as an educator through this process.”

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Raine Ryng (she/her)

Associate of Arts

“I had dropped out of high school so I didn’t get to walk or anything like that, and then I didn’t get to walk when I graduated in 2020. So when they said I could come back for this year’s graduation, I was like, ‘There’s no way I’m missing that.’”

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Breanna Barnes (they/them)

Associate of Arts with Sociology Specialization

“This was a learning experience both academically and personally. I learned a lot about myself and want to support others with the same beliefs. The most important thing for me is to be a visible person for those that can’t be visible. I recently came out, and I came out loud and proud. So I want to be a person that encourages others to be their authentic selves.”

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Courtney Collier (she/her)

Associate in Applied Science, Human Services Professional

“This is a huge accomplishment, and it presented and opened so many doors of opportunity for me.”

Cooper Posada (she/her) & Laney Alexander (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Running Start

Best friends since they were eight years old, the two students both enrolled in Running Start at the height of the Covid pandemic. Two years later, they are both graduating with a college degree and high school diploma. They leaned on each other through their entire journey, taking classes, studying together and working on projects.
“It’s totally worth it,” Cooper said.
“I say do it if you are thinking about it,” Laney said. “Don’t wait. It’s hard work, but if I can do it, so can you.”

Velle Gilje (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Running Start

“I’m glad I did it. I could have gone to regular high school and sat through Zoom classes all day, but TCC was a lot more organized. It was a good experience.”

Hester, Tony (he/him)

Paralegal Studies Certificate

"“If I had to put it into succinctly, I’d describe it as eye-opening, life-changing, and experiential.”

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Maya Larson (she/her)

Associate of Science, Mechanical Engineering

“I was determined to go to UW Seattle, so I really buckled down and got my grades up. I pushed myself. Now, I’m graduating with high honors and I’m heading to UW to get my degree in mechanical engineering.”

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Tytiana Lopez (she/her)

High School Diploma, High School 21+

“Well nobody in my family – my parents – didn’t graduate high school. So I didn’t have anyone to ask for help because nobody knew how. But the teachers here helped me get back on track, helped me get into college, and they still check in on me to see how I’m doing.”

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Altamease Massey (she/her)

Associate of Arts with Elementary Education Specialization

“I started in January 2021 and I set a goal to graduate in a year in a half, and here I am. It feels amazing. I love a challenge.”

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Maria Pawlowski (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Biology

“I feel like TCC prepared me to transfer to a 4-year more than anything else could have.”

Sara Walker (she/her)

Associate of Arts with Psychology Specialization

“I’m just so proud of myself. I tried to do this in 1990 but couldn’t get far because of finances. This time I was able to use Veteran’s benefits. And COVID was a huge difference – I wanted to do everything in person but instead I had to do everything online. It was hard. But I’m graduating with all As and Bs, and I’m just so proud of myself.”

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Kenya Bickham (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing

“It’s definitely worth it in the end. It can be rigorous, it can be difficult, but stick it out. It’s worth it.”

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Destiny Cyr (she/they)

Associate in Music

“I started in the height of the pandemic – March 2020 – so it was a very different experience. But TCC was most helpful throughout the pandemic.”

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Monique Evans (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Specialization in Exercise Science

“All of the options supported my multiple interests,” she said. “The best experiences I had at TCC was with all of the student engagement activities.”

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Briana Gordon (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education

“I learned new techniques and tools for my job, and my experience here helped build more of a foundation in what I do.”

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Amira Hyneman (she/her)

Associate of Arts

Amira decided to attend TCC after her mother enrolled and raved about the college. “My mom loves it here,” she said. “My sister attends TCC, too. It’s a family affair.” Amira is especially grateful for her degree. In 2020, she suffered injuries from a car accident, and coping with the pandemic and online courses were tough. But she didn’t give up, and she has now earned her degree plus her real estate license. “Hard work, dedication and helpful people pulled me through,” she said.

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Keyatah Lester (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Early Childhood Education

"The classes were fun. I learned a lot because I enjoyed the classes … to leave now is bittersweet. I made a lot of good friends.”

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Isiana Martinez (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Running Start

“I love the teachers at TCC. When we were all online, everyone was very helpful and accessible. It made it a great experience.”

Elroy Mbabazi (he/him)

Associate of Science in Computer and Electrical Engineering

“It was a beautiful experience. I was in student government for two years, I was able to travel to a lot of places, and I’m an international student so that made things really interesting.”

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Renata Ramirez (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Political Science

"My experience at TCC has been the best. I enjoyed being involved on campus, working at OSE, joining clubs, and being part of the senate. The campus community was always so friendly and ready to welcome me in."

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Mariana Da Silva Lima Wray (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Specialization in Elementary Education

“I would tell future TCC students to take full advantage of all the resources here. I received scholarships and other support, and I am grateful. I wouldn’t do it any other way.”