Student Spotlight - Meg Macdonald
Tell us a little about yourself.
My name is Meg Macdonald and I am a second year EvCC student, graduating in June (2022) with an AAS-DTA (Associate in Arts and Sciences - Direct Transfer Agreement)! I am, by most definitions, a non-traditional student. I started EvCC in September 2020 as a married, first generation, 30-year-old Latina. I live in Whatcom County with my husband and cat, Stinky.
Before you enrolled at EvCC, when was the last time you were in school? Why did you decide to go to college now?
I graduated from high school in 2008. I’ve started and stopped college about four times since then; nothing stuck. I either had problems with getting the information necessary, colleges closing, family emergencies, or a lack of funding. In July of 2020, thanks to COVID, I was laid off and given the gift of free time and the opportunity to enroll in college. I finally decided that now was the time to work on my career goals. This time around, I finally decided that my college degree and ultimate career goal would be for myself and my interests.
Why did you choose EvCC for college?
When I reached out to EvCC, the first thing I noticed was that their staff cared about prospective students. I received help from the beginning of my communication with them and got help to get on the right track for my degree. The second thing I noticed was that the school was doing a good job of helping students get what they needed during a time of uncertainty because of COVID. Every step of the registration process was done virtually, but I never felt like I wasn’t getting the help I needed.
As a student who returned to school at age 30, what concerns did you have about coming back to the classroom? How did you overcome those challenges?
One of the biggest concerns that I had, outside of navigating a pandemic education, was learning how to be an online student. I have always done better in a physical classroom. I do well with natural conversation, in-person lectures, and asking questions when they arise. As a non-traditional adult learner, I didn’t know how well I would do having to transition to an online education. When I graduated from high school, there weren’t nearly as many online classes and resources available for students. One thing that helped, in almost every class, is letting every teacher know my online concerns from the beginning. The teachers I’ve had have been great about working and communicating with me to make sure I succeed.
At EvCC, you’ve served as the ASB Vice President of Budget, the Phi Theta Kappa Everett Chapter president and volunteered at the EvCC Food Pantry. How did getting involved in those activities change your college experience?
Getting involved in all those activities helped me stay engaged in my college experience. In high school I was involved in extracurricular activities like marching and concert band and DECA. In previous college experiences after high school, I had nothing keeping me engaged. I had no one reach out to me. Once I became involved in student government and PTK, I was challenged to keep doing well and stay motivated to keep the course. You can’t slack off or skip class as the honor society’s president!
Describe the best experience you've had at EvCC.
Outside of all the great learning and growing experiences that have come from being involved, the best experience I had was in my Introduction to Education class with Paula Solis-Krock. Not only did that class steer me farther down the path towards my desire of becoming a teacher, but I learned so much about the history of education, the importance of teachers, and how much teachers influence students of all ages. I’m so grateful to have taken that class with her!
Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?
My Student LIFE advisor, Jenn Rhodes, has helped me in more ways than she probably knows. I’ve been able to talk with her about social issues, confide in her with personal problems, and have had some really great laughs. I’m so blessed to have someone like her in my corner, rooting for me to succeed!
What are your educational and career plans?
After EvCC, I plan to transfer to a 4-year university to finish my degree in Spanish Secondary Education. I have accepted admission to Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge! My goal is to become a high school Spanish teacher. I want to be the teacher who helps her kids reach their potential, whether academically or personally. I want to fill my students with a love of the Spanish language and the Latin culture and heritage.
What motivates you to succeed?
Part of what motivates me is I know what I want to do with my life and now I want to live it! I want to make a better life for my family and myself than working entry-level jobs that pay minimum wage. The other part that motivates me is seeing how the new generations of adults are coming into the world and seeing that there is space for someone like me to help them succeed.
What advice do you have for new students, especially students returning to school after being out of the classroom a while?
First, don’t be afraid to go back to school. I didn’t think I’d be able to keep up with all the 16- to 18-year-olds in class. However, it turns out that my work and life experiences helped me in unique ways.
Second, ask questions. It’s okay if you don’t have all the answers and it’s even more okay that you ask for help when you need it.
Third, make sure you are clear on your motivations and desires. It took me 12 years to truly know, and not be afraid, of what I wanted to do. Those clear goals have kept me going through some tough assignments, difficult teachers and peers, and some trying mental hurdles.
How did your scholarship from the EvCC Foundation help you succeed?
By receiving the EvCC Foundation Scholarship, I was able to completely focus on my studies. I wasn’t having to worry about finances while I was in school. I knew that my textbooks, parking pass, food and housing were paid for. I am truly grateful for the scholarship and the peace of mind it gave me so I could immerse myself in my classes and extracurriculars!
