Yesenia Perez
“Yakima Valley College has changed me for the better. I have developed a greater attention to detail and proper routines to help me be more successful.”
Pronouns
She/her
Degree/Certificate & Class Year
Pre-Physical Therapy, 2024
Hometown
Yakima, Wash.
What words would you use to describe YVC?
Resource and Challenging
What’s your favorite class? Why? How has it expanded your knowledge?
My favorite class was Anatomy and Physiology. I loved learning every body part from a histology (microscopic anatomy) perspective to a human model. This class set my standard high on study habits and test taking for the collegiate level.
Who is your mentor on campus? Why do you consider this person your mentor?
My mentors on campus were Cristy Rasmussen [STEM Director], and Esther Rodriguez [Counselor]. They have provided a tremendous number of resources that have led me to bigger opportunities like scholarships, classes, workshops, and an internship. Deniele Fleming [Substance Use Disorder Instructor] always gives me really great advice. She can always point me in the right direction if there are other opportunities on campus. She has always been very supportive.
What made you want to come to YVC?
I wanted to be close to home.
How did you decide on a major?
I grew up seeing health in holistic traditions like medicine and exercise. I noticed physical therapy aligned with my personal values.
Are there any barriers that you’ve overcome to be successful at YVC? Please describe.
Yes, the barriers that I have overcame while being at YVC is the language barrier. My first language being Spanish has created some confusion over bigger words. [At the same time,] this has allowed me to expand vocabulary.
What do you like or find most interesting about your major?
I find most interesting how physical therapy provides help in patient care. I love that I can continue to see improvements in injuries over being chronically medicated.
Where do you find your community on campus?
I find my community in the STEM [student] room.
What advice do you have for prospective students?
Create a relationship with your peers and get involved with the STEM Club, this opens the door to future help!
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
I love the library or the STEM room.
How has Yakima Valley College changed you?
Yakima Valley College has changed me for the better. I am now a more efficient person. I have developed a greater attention to detail and proper routines to help me be more successful.
How do you manage stress?
Using a stress ball and making sure I take breaks between my school life and regular life.
Do you have a job? How do you work that into your schedule?
I’m a barista at Coffee Castle. Only working weekends.
What do you view is your biggest achievement at YVC?
Getting through difficult classes while maintaining a good GPA.
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 and some scholarships. This allowed me to be financially stable and stress free.
What is your ultimate goal? Where would you like to end up?
My goal is to be a physical therapist and make an impact on my community — leveraging my bilingual background. I would like to stay local.
Interested in getting started at YVC? Visit our admissions page or request information.