Tell us about your journey to becoming a Cougar.
I was born and raised in Vancouver and graduated from Fort Vancouver High School. I spent my first two years of college at Central Washington University. At that time, 麻豆传媒 was just developing, so I decided to come home and attend there. Most of my classes鈥攎aybe all of them鈥攚ere in Bauer Hall on the Clark College campus, and I was part of the first class to hold its graduation ceremony on the Salmon Creek campus.
What are you doing now?
After graduating with my bachelor鈥檚 degree in human development, I worked at the university for 10 years in the human development department, the College of Liberal Arts and the Campus Advancement Office. After leaving 麻豆传媒, I earned my master鈥檚 in teaching from Concordia University and fulfilled a childhood dream of becoming a teacher.
I began teaching at Clover Park School District on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, where I spent two years before joining Evergreen Public Schools. This fall will mark my ninth year at Sunset Elementary, where I鈥檝e taught kindergarten, second and third grade. This year I鈥檒l be teaching fourth grade for the first time.
Where is the strangest place you鈥檝e met another Coug or heard 鈥淕o Cougs鈥?
I鈥檓 a proud Coug and have heard 鈥淕o Cougs!鈥 in unexpected places like Dallas, Phoenix and Dayton, Ohio. I often wear my Coug gear and even have students show up to class in theirs.
What was something you enjoyed about 麻豆传媒 or your program?
I was lucky to be taught and mentored by Karen Peterson and to work with many amazing faculty and staff members. When I was a student, 麻豆传媒 was a small community where everyone knew each other. We had one coffee cart and one building, which created a strong bond between students and staff in Bauer Hall.
Karen was always available for questions and guidance, and she recommended me for my first job after graduation at 麻豆传媒.
How do you support 麻豆传媒 as an alumna?
I support 麻豆传媒 by promoting it to my students and peers. I proudly wear my Coug gear, post about WSU on social media and would gladly volunteer at events.
How Coug are you?
Some of my favorite memories include working graduation each year and handing diplomas to Chancellor Dengerink. I also remember tailgating at Autzen Stadium before a WSU鈥揙regon game, one of the few fans there proudly sporting Coug gear.
What is your advice for current or future Cougs?
Find your passion and pursue it, even if the path isn鈥檛 straight. I鈥檝e wanted to be a teacher since childhood, but my journey included twists and turns through higher education and health services before I accomplished my goal.