Alumni Spotlight - Patti Safley

Patti Safley

Growing up, Patti Safley heard a lot of great things about EvCC. That’s because her dad, Bill Deller, was the Dean of Students at the college. When it was time to select a college, “there was a bit of encouragement from him,” she laughs. Patti attended EvCC for two years and stayed another two years on campus while attending the Western Washington University teaching program, something she highly recommends to future teachers. Today, she is a first-grade teacher at Whittier Elementary, next door to the college that has played such a big part in the life of her family. An avid bicyclist, Patti is currently working toward the goal of riding her first century (100 miles within 12 hours). Patti advises, “Follow your dreams, set goals—both physical as well as personal—and do what excites you!”

What is your current occupation/career?

I am a first grade teacher at Whittier Elementary in the Everett School District.

How did you choose EvCC? Was there a selection process involved in your decision making? 

My dad was the Dean of Students. There was a bit of encouragement from him. It was close geographically and I heard nothing but wonderful things about EvCC.

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

Yes. There were great counselors that really gave me good direction.

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

I went on to get my teaching certificate from Western on the EvCC campus. I highly recommend this program to future teachers. 

Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you? Tell me about that relationship and why it was valuable.

My dad was my mentor and still is to this day. EvCC  has a history of providing empathetic, knowledgeable, and career advancing counseling to all students.. My father perpetuates these attributes to this day!

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

Take advantage of the outstanding counseling and career planning that EvCC has to offer. Follow your dreams, set goals, both physical as well as personal, and  do what excites you.

I am working toward a goal at riding my first century this summer with my husband and brother. I set physical as well as personal goals. They complement each other.

Alumni ad published 8/18/2014