Annamaria Delaluz 

YVC has helped me improve in being more persistent, step out of my comfort zone, meet new people and be part of a community.

Annamaria Delaluz Student Story Featured Image

Pronouns 
She/Her 

Degree/Certificate & Class Year  
Associate of Applied Science Business Administration, 2023 

Hometown  
Sunnyside 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Home, Family, Charming 

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?  
One of my favorite classes was Biology 105, this is because the instructor made the class exciting and very informative. This class expanded my knowledge of plants. I learned that you could know the health of your plants by the color of the leaves. 

Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor? 
[Academic Success Coordinator Lead] Senaida Lopez because she has always been there for me when I needed help with classes. 

What made you want to come to YVC? 
How my sister [YVC alum] spoke about YVC made me interested in studying here.   

How did you decide on a major?  
At first, I did not have an idea of what to major in, but I knew I wanted to study something that involved numbers. YVC opened doors to the business pathway and helped me realize that in the future I wanted to start my own company.  

Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to be successful at YVC? Please describe.  
One barrier that I have been able to overcome and be successful is a fear of public speaking. I consider myself an introvert. At YVC I have been able to involve myself more in activities that incorporate public speaking such as being a mentor. I have also been able to network, meet new people and took a communications class to improve my public speaking. 

What do you like or find most interesting about your major?  
Something I find interesting about my major is that business is an open door for many job opportunities. Especially since I enjoy mathematics. 

What advice do you have for prospective students?  
One piece of advice I would give to future students is to never give up on their educational dreams. Nothing is impossible no matter how difficult it might seem, we all have power and the ability to succeed, all it takes is determination, constancy and willingness. 

What’s your favorite spot on campus?  
My favorite spot on campus is the lobby, there is a lot of space to study and hang out with classmates. 

How has Yakima Valley College changed you? 
YVC has helped me improve in being more persistent, stepping out of my comfort zone, meeting new people and being part of a community, such as [programs like] College Assistance Migrant Program and TRIO Student Support Services. 

How do you manage stress?  
I manage stress by taking small walks, doing meditation, talking to people and spending time with family.  

What do you view is your biggest achievement at YVC? 
My biggest achievement at YVC is being able to obtain my associate degree in business. Also, being a mentor for CAMP.  

Did you receive any financial aid or scholarship funding to attend YVC? If so, please describe how this helped you on your journey.   
Yes, I did receive financial aid, it helped me pay for the two years at YVC, and will allow me to have no debt when I finish my associate degree.  

What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up?  
My ultimate goal is to obtain  bachelor’s and master’s degrees. I would like to someday start a business of my own, and I am in the process of looking into what kind of business. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for me. 

Interested in getting started at YVC? Visit our admissions page or request information.