Alumni Spotlight - Patti Tenney & Cindy Allred

Sisters Patti Tenney and Cindy Allred agree that career success is possible by never giving up, even if your goals take longer than you think. Each woman chose EvCC while raising children and taking classes that fit their busy schedules. Today, Patti works as a substitute teacher after working in communications and public policy for a series of non-profits, including a trade association. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington and received her Master of Arts in Policy Studies. Patti’s advice to current students: “Stay the course and go for it!” Cindy received her teaching and master’s degree in education from Western Washington University and is currently teaching fifth grade in Lake Stevens. “I gained confidence at EvCC,” says Cindy. “I live my dream every day and know that my journey began with a single algebra class at EvCC.”

What is your current occupation/career?

Patti:  Currently, I am a substitute teacher. It’s a job that works for me now. Before then, I had a career track that had an upward serendipitous trajectory. Except for a short stint later in my work life, I worked for a series of nonprofits including a trade association. That is where I worked before I stepped off the path and did some jobs that provided more time for family and their health issues. The last two jobs have not been in my particular area of expertise in which I toiled for many years.

Cindy: I currently teaching fifth grade at Sunnycrest Elementary in Lake Stevens, Washington.

How did you choose EvCC?

Patti: I had taken an environmental science class with a friend who was doing a few credits to return to her studies at the University of Washington. At this point, we
both had children. I’d had an experience as a junior in high school when I visited the University of Washington with the Honor Society. I knew one day I would
get my degree from there. During the environmental class, I had an excellent instructor and experience. I decided, "This is the time. I can save money and go to
school closer to Snohomish" (where we lived at the time). It took me six years of taking--for the most part--one night class at a time. However, I was determined and  had teachers and instructors over the years who contributed to my success in earning a transfer degree.

Cindy: I chose EvCC for a couple of reasons: it was located close enough for me to get to class and be home for my young school children, and I was able to start with just one class at a time to match my goals and my schedule. I loved that ability!

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

Patti: Absolutely. I loved it--I always recall it fondly. It was my launching pad into the broader world of learning and work.

Cindy: My time at EvCC totally helped me pursue my current career! I received the necessary information I needed to get my associate degree and transfer to the Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University. My whole purpose in going to college was to pursue a teaching degree. I felt supported with that goal during my time as a student at EvCC. I also earned the John Terrey Scholarship for Education and that inspired me to continue my path toward education. Also, my love of history, politics, and current events was nurtured by amazing teachers at EvCC who supported and challenged me in ways that prepared me for the rigor of university work.

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

Patti: I was accepted as a transfer student to the University of Washington Seattle. I completed my Bachelor of Comparative History of Ideas and graduated magna cum laude. EvCC had prepared me well for cooperating and competing as a highly capable student at the University of Washington.

When I decided to attend graduate school, I was working at Providence Everett Medical Center in the marketing department. I needed to take an introductory statistics class to enter the graduate program at the University of Washington Bothell. I took the class at EvCC during the day and would walk over from the hospital. Once again, EvCC was right there when I needed it and served me well.

Cindy: After I left EvCC, I attended Western Washington University where I earned my Bachelor of Education with a minor in social studies. I earned my master's degree at Western Washington University with a concentration in literature.

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

Patti: Dick Brigham served as my mentor and counseled me about what classes to take and encouraged me every step of the way. At one point, I needed the credits from a class that only met during the day. He arranged for me to take the class, do the assignments, and show up the two or three times I needed to participate in presentations or exams. I also had classes with Connie Veldink, Gary London, and a host of other skilled, intelligent, and dedicated instructors.

Cindy: I did not have just one mentor at EvCC. I felt mentored by almost every teacher I had during my time at the college. Every single time I had questions, needed advice, or just wanted to run ideas by someone, my teachers made themselves available.

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

Patti: Stay the course; you will get an excellent education in which ever subject area you choose. If you are studying to complete a transfer degree, go for it. You will be well prepared to compete at whatever university you attend. Transfer students are more likely to finish their degrees than students who enter university as freshman. If something seems challenging or you need resources, don’t understand the class, or something else, let someone at the college know. They really do want to help students succeed and finish.

Cindy: My advice would be to get involved. Make sure you connect to the right people to set goals and map out your plan to reach your goals. Knowing and using all of the resources and people available to help you succeed is an important part to reaching your goals. Also, never give up. Even if it takes you longer than you think it will, stay with it.

Any other information you would like to provide?

Patti: I always remember fondly my time at Everett Community College. It was the perfect college to get me started in my long-term academic pursuits. I loved my instructors who were able to be flexible when needed. I wanted to take a literature class that only met during the day (it would help me finish), so Dick Brigham spoke with the teacher and explained my situation. The outcome was that I could do the reading and show up for presentation of papers and tests. My employer at the time, the Snohomish School District, also supported my being absent from work during the times I had to be at class. I love being a good student and I was committed to doing well in that class. The instructors had worked together to solve an issue, helping me complete my degree!

Cindy: I want to express my gratitude to EvCC for helping me build the confidence I needed to pursue my dream work. I live my dream every day as a teacher and know that my journey began with a single algebra class at EvCC.