Alumni Spotlight - Hayley Statema

Hayley Statema is proud to be a first-generation college student. She began attending EvCC during high school through the Running Start program. “At EvCC, I discovered a love for communications through a journalism elective,” she recalls. “Through EvCC student life, I got involved in different advisory committees and fundraising—opportunities that taught me a love for investing in the local community. These things carry through everything I do now.” After graduating EvCC, Hayley transferred straight to WSU-Everett. “EvCC made it possible for me to go on to finish my bachelor’s degree with no debt,” she enthuses. Today, Hayley leads communications and development efforts for ChildStrive, a community-based service provider for children who have developmental disabilities or delays, or are at risk of falling behind their peers. 

What is your current occupation/career?

I am the Development and Communications Specialist for ChildStrive.

How did you choose EvCC?

I chose EvCC because of location and Running Start. I went to Cascade High School and needed more from my education than they could offer there. I didn’t get my drivers license until I was 18, so my mom had to be able to drive me to school. EvCC was the closest college with Running Start. At the time, I had an interest in nursing and excelled in writing classes, so I was excited about the classes offered. When I graduated high school in 2013, I hadn’t completed a full AA because I was still involved in Color Guard and German club through my senior year. I decided to stay at EvCC because I had discovered a love for communications through a journalism elective I took. I ended up getting my associate degree focused on this specialty! Growing up, everyone assumed I would go straight for four-year college, but I know I would not have been as successful in that environment.

Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?

My time at EvCC definitely helped me pursue my current career. Through EvCC Student Life, I got involved in committees and fundraising efforts for the college. These opportunities taught me a love for investing in Everett and the surrounding communities that carries through everything I do now.

What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?

I transferred from EvCC straight to WSU-Everett. I was part of the first cohort and it was a wild ride, going from quarters to semesters and all while the program was still taking off. EvCC and WSU worked together to make this transition work for all of the students. I’m so grateful for the scholarships and mentorship I received from both schools during that time. EvCC made it possible for me to finish my degree at WSU with no debt and an amazing degree.

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?

Katherine Schiffner and Andrew Wahl were both incredible mentors for me during my time at EvCC. Andrew introduced me to the world that is my career today: mass/multi-media communications, all while being incredibly fostering to imaginations--unlike any professor I’d had. Katherine helped me learn to navigate the collegiate world. We are still friends today, discussing communications theories and the success of the college in recent years. Being a first-generation college student, having these two involved was vital for my success because they could answer my panicked questions about Blackboard with ease.

What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?

Take your time, get involved and try something new. I know that’s what everyone says but it’s true--EvCC does an incredible job of having resources available to such a wide range of students! If more people utilized them, they would feel successful. No one takes the same path to get somewhere; you must create your own, too.