Congratulations, Class of 2024!

Anreas Camacho Alejo (he/him)

Associate of Arts in IT, Cybersecurity and Networking 

Next Step: TCC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Advanced Networking & Data Security Program

“I thank my family and friend and my teachers, my fellow cohort members. They helped me not just in the classroom, but outside the classroom, too. This has been a long journey for me. They were there for me. I feel like this is a long time coming. Now the day is here, it’s surreal. I just can’t believe it. I’m a first gen student.”

Mia Chandler (she/her)

Associate of Arts

Next step: Diagnostic Medical Sonography program at TCC or Bellevue College

“I thank my whole family. I thank all of them for providing me support and resources. As the oldest child of three, I hold down a lot at home. Me being here full- time, I had to step down from responsibilities, and other family members came in to help, and I appreciate them for that.”

 

Molly Deines (she/her) 

Associate of Arts 

Next step: Rochester Institute of Technology, Bachelor’s in Computer Science

“I would say thank you to the community, to Running Start, and my fellow Running Start students. They helped me get resources, get settled and feel welcomed. I’m so grateful … there were so many exciting opportunities at TCC. What I take with me is the importance of community, and getting to know your peers.”

Robert Hutchinson (he/him)

Associate of Science in Chemical Engineering 

Next step: UW, bioresource science and engineering program

"My feelings? Scared. And excited and a little sad. I do love this place. It’s a great school. I am excited – I get to move to Seattle. Big university.

I thank Jeff Engle, chemistry organic professor, Keith King physics professor, my wife, Laura, my sister Kylie, and Sonja Morgan and LaRon Horseherder. They are fantastic. They really shaped my learning in terms of support and being accommodating and pushing me to continue.”

 

Suleta Kamau (she/her)

Bachelor of Applied Science in Project Management 

Next Step: Earning a Scrum certification and getting a job

“I thank my adult children for being supporting me and getting me through this. They helped me financially and emotionally. At times, it’s been tough and a struggle. They really helped me. All of my teachers, especially Jeannie Lewis. She’s been amazing. I’m looking forward to some free time now. Try to travel. Maybe go to summer music festivals.”

Francisca Lumumba (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Allied Health 

Next Step: University of Washington 

““I thank my professor (Biology 242); Alvin Mancao, Nikki in Workforce and my professor (biochemistry), who was good with me, walked things through with me, made sure I excelled. I am graduating with high honors. Didn’t think it was possible, but my professors made it possible for me.”  

Amna Sabir (she/her)

Bachelor of Applied Sciences, Community Health 

Next step: Joining the workforce

“I’m feeling excited, first summer in five years with no class to take. I’ve been an active student for five years. I thank my husband and daughter. She’s five years old. I started school when she was a couple of months old. It was so stressful, I appreciated her and her dad to take the responsibility. I came from Sudan. I spoke no English. I had a tutor, went to ELS. Did that for nine months, then started college. I got my associate’s degree in allied health, now I have my bachelor’s degree.”

Paula Amores (she/her)

Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

Next step: TCC BAS, Cybersecurity

“I am thankful for community colleges. Opened the door for me in 2022. I’m thankful for admissions and worforce for their support. I’m thankful for Dr. Sergio Hernandez, who got me in classes and continued to encourage me. I want to stay here and give back some day ...  I am a female and a minority in this field, and this has been a long time dream … and it’s happening.”

Ta-Nia Crosby (she/her)

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting 

Next Step: TCC's Bachelor of Applied Science in Applied Management Program. 

“I thank my mom, who has the been an educational role model. I thank my daughter for taking care of me and my disabilities and helping me to pursue my education. She knew what I needed to do. My daughter is 39, and graduated from TCC in 2019 with her accounting degree. We’d like to go into business together.

I made a goal. I’m 58 years old. Got my AAS degree. I feel awesome. I am proud of myself for completing this goal.”

Nic Ferencko (he/him)

Associate of Arts in Computer Science 

Next step: Pacific University, play basketball, Bachelor’s in Computer Science

“I thank my parents as well as my coaches and my girlfriend and close friends. My parents have been there from the start. Supported me throughout, helped me with my homework, navigated the whole college thing with my classes and did this graduation thing, too. I thank my coaches who always had my best interests at heart. It wasn’t just about basketball,  but they cared about me, and my feelings. They made sure I was OK and  thinking things through.

I feel good. Excited to graduate. Excited for the next step. It’s lot of fun … I’m a little nervous, but  it’s been a good time."

Andy Huynh (he/him)

Associate of Arts in Biology 

Next Step: UW Computer Science Program 

“I thank my professors and my classmates and family. My family always inspired me, always supported to do my best.”

 

Joylilian Kimani (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Pre-Nursing 

Next Step: Take a break, then become an RN 

“I thank Bill and Jessica in the financial aid department. They helped me figure out how to pay tuition with financial aid and grants. Without that, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.

I am Feeling amazing. Excited. I’m proud of myself. I’m from Kenya, and have been here for six years. Came here for school, and I’m proud of myself to accomplish this great step in my life. I’ve never graduated before. “

Aru Moore (they/them/elle)

Associate of Arts in Anthropology 

Next step: Join the workforce then earn a Bachelor’s degree

“I want to thank so many people. My friends, family, husband, professors. Advisors. Everyone who was part of the ride. I’m excited and a bit scared for the future. But I am excited to be done with this journey. Now, I’m getting ready for the next part of my journey.”

Yuridia Santiago-Sanchez (she/her)

Associate of Science in Early Education 

Next step: Eastern Washington University, BA in Education

“I would like to thank a lot of people. My family and co-workers, in-laws, grandparents, my two daughters, who are my two motivations. My daughters are 17 and five. They gave me time to study, they were great supporters. I’m proud of the way they supported me.

I feel complete. I never knew I would get to this point of where I’m at now, I did not know what I was capable of, until I tried. Next goal now – getting my bachelor’s degree. I won’t stop there – next is getting my master’s."

Jeyel Argana (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Respiratory Therapy

Next Step: Next step: UWT, BA in Health Care Management

“Michael, my significant other, my mom and family were my biggest supporters. They supported me throughout this time by just being there for me, while I studied, and they helped me financially. This is my second associate degree, and they continued to support me while I pursued my new career. They cooked for me, packed my lunch, drove me to my clinicals in Seattle and other places … all of these things I so appreciated.

I’m happy and excited to graduate and finally take my board exam and become a respiratory therapist and help other people.”

Connor Crotty (he/him)

Associate of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

Next step: TCC EMT program or Bachelor of Applied Science in Cybersecurity

“My professors have been wonderful. Erin Korff and Jeremy Sims – I wish to thank those two. My mom, dad, little brother – I thank them for their support on making sure I was doing my best, keeping on track, and staying enthused with getting it done.”

Xyra Francia (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Biology

Next Step: UW Seattle

“Running Start helped me get a head start on getting my Biology degree. I plan on going to veterinary school. I’d like to thank my Mom for helping me – she pays my quarterly fees and drives me to school.”

 

Ahmad Jenkins (he/him)

Associate of Arts in Psychology 

Next Step: UWT, Bachelor's Degree 

“I started here in in 2022. I was coming back from 2015, and had to stop because of family obligations. After the pandemic, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was like, I’m gonna go back to school, finish what I started. It’s surreal now. I knew I was going to finish, but I didn’t know I’d have so much fun doing it. I was in OSE for two years. It was a great experience for me. I never thought of myself as a leader – it showed me that I could help others while helping myself, and make an impact on campus."

Mykeia Lang (she/her)

Associate of Arts in Allied Health 

Next Step: UWT Bachelor's Degree, Physician's Assistant Program 

“I thank my kids for pushing me. My kids pushed me because I have six children. They pushed me to never give up and be an example for them. It’s not easy being a full-time mom and a full-time student. And I’m active duty Navy. I thank my friends for motivating me. When I wanted to give up, they told me not to. I feel really good … nervous … I can’t believe this is happening.”

Alessandra Claire Palmiano (she/her)

Associate of Arts, Psychology Specialization

Next step: UWT, Bachelor’s in Psychology

“It’s great. It’s finals week. I’m ready! Almost done. I wish to thank – Seve Fontana. He’s the one who really helped me with the application process with UW T. It’s really helpful. I was really confused about what subjects to take. He helped me with everything. I thank my two moms – my mom and stepmom. Supportive with what I wanted to do. I’m the only child. I moved here from the Philippines in 2021, all alone. They were there to support me, all the way.”

Victoria Tupa (she/her)

Associate of Applied Science in Human Services 

Next step: Evergreen State College, Bachelor’s in Human Services

“I thank the the God I serve and my faith. I thank my husband and five children. I am happy at this state of my life. I turn 52 this summer. I am feeling accomplished, and full of all kinds of emotions. It’s been such a struggle. I’m in disbelief. I can’t believe I’m here in my blue regalia … being in Human Services, I am really enjoying being of service to other people who are struggling with addictions because of lived experiences. I’m doing exactly what I planned on doing.”