Student Spotlight - Holiday Beyer
What motivated you to attend college?
I never felt especially challenged in high school and was ready for the next academic adventure. I had friends who did Running Start here at East County, Lake Washington Tech, and Cascadia. They all had good things to say about Running Start.
Why did you choose EvCC?
Being close to home is really important to me. I’m very grateful this campus is available. I live in downtown Monroe, and I needed a school close to home. Lake Washington and Cascadia were too far for me to travel to consistently. I also appreciate the variety of times when classes are offered here, so I can have the option of taking classes at night. I am so close to campus, I could technically walk here.
When do you graduate, and what are your plans after graduating?
I graduate in June of 2020. I currently do non-profit event planning. A lot of people say it’s a stressful career, but I love it. I enjoy working with people. I have been thinking about a career in Hospitality Business management. I also write and manage my own blog (thefreshpine.com). The University of Washington has an entrepreneurship program that I am really interested in, and Washington State University has a Hospitality Business Management Program in Everett into which I am also looking.
Why did you choose to take classes at East County Campus?
There is a greater selection of different classes here, and I appreciated the variety.
What advice do you have for new students at East County? What about current students?
I would tell new and current students the same thing. Take advantage of your advisors! Deanna Skinner is my advisor, and she simplified the entire class registration process for me. She mapped out the credits I needed to take and when I needed to take them. It really helped me in having a plan. I would also tell students to be a part of the East County community. East County has allowed me to connect with people from different walks of life that I would have never had the opportunity to get to know. During my first quarter of college at East County, I was 15, and I had someone in my interpersonal communication class who was 65 years old. I have met people who are working full-time and attending school.
Would you recommend East County to new students? Why or why not?
Definitely, especially if you live locally! It is very accessible and easy to find. The staff here are stellar. They’ve helped smooth my way seamlessly to the Washington State University Everett campus, where I’ll be earning my hospitality management degree.
What is your favorite East County memory?
My favorite East County memory occurred during a snowstorm last winter quarter. I had to come to class in the snow. Once I got to class, my classmates and I talked about the challenges of getting to campus in the snow. We joked around with our professor, and asked if they would give us extra credit for making the commute to campus. It’s funny in hindsight because you really bond over experiences like this with your classmates. I also love looking at the lake when I am in class. The view from room 301 is amazing!
How is East County preparing you for the next step?
At East County, I have had the chance to take diverse classes that have given me insight into what university life may be like. East County has allowed me to feel more comfortable and confident about transferring to a four-year university. I believe that community colleges provide an excellent way to try out areas of interest without spending a fortune.