Student Spotlight - Steven Dion

Steven Dion chose EvCC because of the Running Start program, which allows qualifying high school juniors and seniors to take college level classes tuition free. “It gave me 2 years I wouldn’t have otherwise had” says Steven who studied mechanical engineering, music and anthropology before focusing on Studio Arts as his subject of emphasis. He was nominated and recognized as an Outstanding Graduate in EvCC’s 2022 graduating class and received an "Honor of Excellence" gold medallion on a red and white ribbon to wear during the commencement ceremony.

What did you study at EvCC?

I studied mechanical engineering, music, and anthropology, but finally settled on my passion- studio arts.

Why did you choose EvCC?

I choose EvCC because of its running start opportunity, it gave me 2 years I wouldn’t have otherwise had.

Who helped you succeed at EvCC? (faculty member, staff). What did that person do to help you?

Sam Wershow, my botany teacher, was extremely open to student feedback and helped me feel like I had a voice. He was also very friendly and easy to talk to which helped me feel comfortable speaking up in class. Linda Berkley guided me through most of my art career teaching me painting and the fundamentals of art as well as helping me to continue improving my skills. Shelly Hendrickson helped me discover my love for drawing the human figure and helped me push past many of my boundaries that held my art back. Jessica Taylor-Edward helped expand my knowledge of the world and believed in me which gave me the motivation to keep pushing through. Thom Lee was an amazing teacher and an amazing person, he taught me about countless different things both about art and about the world, he helped me discover my love for color theory in his design class, and became someone I will always look up to. 

What advice do you have for new EvCC students?

New students should talk with their teachers. As someone with anxiety it was really hard for me to come out of my shell but once I did it made the world of difference. Being comfortable talking to your teacher will make your school life more enjoyable and easier. I also suggest keeping an open mind. I started at EvCC thinking I wanted to be a mechanical engineer and now I’m going to art school.

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)

Right now I am saving up to go to The Evergreen State College and study character design and animation.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

The best experience I had was in Thom Lee's pottery class, everyday was super fun and informative. I will always remember when he said, “The more you know the more you see.” Those words will stick with me the rest of my life and change how I think and see.