Jasmeen Chauhan 

“I wanted to attend YVC’s Running Start program because it would help me get my degree in a shorter amount of time. I feel like the college classes are easier for me than the high school ones due to the way [YVC instructors] teach.”

Jasmeen Chauhan pictured in front of a YVC administration office.

Pronouns 
She/her 

Degree/Certificate & Class Year 
Business DTA 

Hometown 
Yakima, Wash.  

High School Attended 
East Valley High School 

Major 
Business 

Extracurriculars (e.g., clubs, YVC sports teams) 
National Honor Society at High School 

What three words would you use to describe YVC? 
Diverse. Outgoing. Lively.  

What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge? 
American Sign Language 101 with Jon Cyr [Modern Languages Instructor]. I feel like I know more about the deaf community now and am learning how to better communicate. You get to practice a lot of hands on in class, which helps if you can’t always practice in the community.  

What made you want to come to YVC? 
I wanted to attend YVC’s Running Start program because it would help me get my degree in a shorter amount of time. I feel like the college classes are easier for me than the high school ones. I used to be a student who would procrastinate a lot, but now I don’t. I think it has to do with the way [YVC instructors] teach. Most of the teachers I have here give both a lecture and do activities where they help you out learning the content. 

How did you decide on a major? 
I’ve been surrounded by my dad’s business my entire life. I have always wanted to get a degree in international business. Starting at YVC is helping me get started before going to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree.  

What do you like or find most interesting about your major? 
Definitely all the opportunities that you can have.  I have taken all the accounting courses. With this major you can also get a certificate [in an area of specialization] with your degree so I’m going to try and get my entrepreneurship certificate.  

Where do you find your community on campus? 
Sopho’s Mojo coffee shop is my favorite place on campus. I have a group of students that I meet up with there to study and hang out.  
 
What advice do you have for prospective students? 
I would say if you know what you are going to do, then do that. Know what classes you would need to take and put the effort into it. Also, have a group of support who can help you out.  

How has Yakima Valley College changed you? 
I am more outgoing than I was before and go out more. I’ll come to the college, meet up with friends to study. I also put in more effort and spend more time studying for my classes.  

How do you manage stress? 
I try to space everything out, so I’m not stressed out. I’ll take small breaks and work on things piece by piece or seek help when needed.  

Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule? 
Yes, I work for River Valley Fruit in Grandview, Wash. 

What do you view is your biggest achievement at YVC? 
I would say getting the president’s list award, for Fall 2022. 

What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up? 
Get my AA and certificate by the time I graduate high school. Transfer to Eastern Washington University and study international business. Once I have earned my bachelor’s degree I plan to help at my dad’s business.  

 

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