Angel Gonzalez
“At YVC I’ve learned the importance of what communication and professionalism can do for people and these lessons are things I will carry on and use as I continue on in my life. “
Pronouns
He/Him
Degree/Certificate & Class Year
Associate in Arts Transfer, 2024
Hometown
Sunnyside
Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams)
YVC Farmworkers Aid Club
What three words would you use to describe YVC?
Nice, Radiant, Calm
What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?
My favorite class that I’ve taken so far would be Chican@/x Experience in Contemporary Society, taught by Keith Reyes. Being a U.S. born Latino on the West Coast, growing up I had always heard about the Chicanx protests, but I had never fully researched it. When I took the course, I learned not only of the protests, but important people and events which led up to the protests. I also learned about the after effects [of these events] and their connection to our daily lives now. One of the most impactful things I learned was that young people played a big part in the movement—which motivated me to continue to work hard in the club I founded and am the president of Farmworkers Aid Club.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
I would consider both [Tutoring Program Coordinator] Michelle Perry and [Student Life Assistant] Stacy Wahl my biggest mentors at YVC. They have both played very big parts in my life, Stacy in guiding me through the founding of a new student club as well as helping me with creating events and reminding me of important information. Michelle has helped me immensely in my personal life as well as my education; I’ve found that she is the person I can come to for comfort when worried about something either personal or in my education.
Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to be successful at YVC? Please describe.
As a high school student doing Running Start I struggled when I decided to take up a job as a tutor and create a club at YVC, while still taking college-level courses. Balancing the workload I sometimes found myself overworking and stressing myself out. It did take a bit of perseverance and determination, but I eventually was able to learn how to balance the different activities in my life.
Where do you find your community on campus?
Working in the YVC Grandview Math and Tutoring Center, there was never a day where I didn’t enjoy working and socializing with the people who came in. I built many friendships and enjoyed the environment of the tutoring center and is where I found my community at YVC.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
My advice would be take advantage of the events, clubs and services available to you at YVC. Although YVC is based in a rural area there are so many possibilities for new opportunities, friendships and lessons which you could find and create.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
The Math and Tutoring Center or the Student Activity Center.
How has Yakima Valley College changed you?
During my first year at YVC I’ve learned the importance of what communication and professionalism can do for people and these lessons learned are things I will carry on and use as I continue on in my life.
How do you manage stress?
The way I like to manage stress is by stepping away from screens and socialization and going for a walk or going skateboarding and listening to music, or at times just hearing the world outside. Other times I like to watch YouTube or TikTok to maybe distract myself from other worries for a bit.
Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule?
I work at the Grandview Campus Math and Tutoring Center. I split my hours up by doing four hours a day, which is super easy to work around especially with my great supervisor Michelle. She is very flexible and creates our work schedules around our classes.
What do you view as your biggest achievement at YVC?
I believe my biggest achievement at YVC would be creating the first ever student-led club on the Grandview Campus, many people have congratulated me, but what makes me even more proud is that the club is geared towards giving back to the community which has raised and surrounded me all my life.
What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up?
My goal is to graduate with a direct transfer degree and attend a 4-year university. I’d like to create a legacy for the Farmworkers Aid Club so that other students who may have the same or similar passions as mine are able to have the opportunity to do so.
Interested in getting started at YVC? Visit our admissions page or request information.