A message from our 2022 graduates

The end of Spring quarter 2022 has arrived. So, has the moment so many of our fellow students have waited for. Graduation. This wonderous moment that has been only a dream of these students is finally becoming a reality for them. All the sweat, tears, late nights, and energy drinks have finally paid off. ASYVC is happy to announce that a couple of our very own officers are also achieving this dream! Each of them has worked tirelessly to serve, support, and advocate for our student body and didn’t want to graduate without leaving one last little something.

“As a Running Start student who started classes at YVC virtually, I began my time here very nervous and uncertain about what the next two years were going to be like. Looking back now, I am so grateful for everyone who has supported me in any way — my professors, other YVC students, and all the staff and students I got the opportunity to meet being on the Student Government and in Upward Bound. My advice to current and future students is to get involved. I completed my first year completely virtually and I felt very disconnected from everyone outside of those in the classes I was taking. After joining the student government, I got to work alongside the most amazing group of students and connect with more students, staff, and faculty throughout the year. Thank you to everyone who helped me these past two years! “

Kayla Villanueva, ASYVC President
Graduating with an Associate of Arts

“My time here at YVC has been amazing! All the relationships I have formed, the experiences I gained, and the opportunities I have had have been very valuable. I am so excited to graduate and leave with a part of YVC. I love student government and will always be supportive of the council, the impactful work, and initiatives done this year with my absolutely great team who I adore so much. YVC will always be in my heart, and I am so glad I was a Yak! ”

Lilly Villa, GSC President
Graduating with an Associate of Arts

“To the class of 2022. I’m proud of everyone who has made it here and for not giving up. Always remember good things come to those who believe, better things come to those who are patient, and the best things come to those who don’t give up. My time at YVC has been wonderful and I enjoyed every moment of it. Thank you, Laura and Roxanne, for having me these past 3 years, your leadership has made being in Student Government such an amazing experience! Maricela, your friendship will not be forgotten, and Stacy, don’t ever lose that innocence of yours, it’s what makes you,YOU! Again, congratulations to everyone.”

Robert Morrison, ASYVC Vice President
Graduating with an Associate of Arts

“Three years ago, I started my college journey not realizing how fast the day would come when I would be preparing to graduate with my Associate’s degree. My goal was to get accepted into the dental hygiene program at YVC and as a mother of three and a first-generation, nontraditional college student, I am here to tell you that making your dreams come true is possible! Going through a global pandemic did not make this any easier and at times I wanted to give up. I am so thankful for the amazing instructors and staff at YVC and the support that I received from my friends and family that helped me get through the bad times and keep going. To my fellow ASYVC members, I am so thankful that I have been able to build a friendship with each and every one of you over the past year. We have all grown so much as individuals and I know that you will all make this world a better place with whatever path you choose to follow.

It has been an honor to serve as the Grandview Student Council Vice President and be a voice for the students at YVC while working alongside all of you. To all future YVC graduates, don’t give up. This journey will be difficult at times but enjoy the journey along the way because those hard times allow us to grow and go places that we would have never imagined possible. Most importantly, remember to believe in yourself, because you also can make your dreams become a reality.”

Brittney Scherer, GSC Vice President
Graduating with an Associate of Arts

“A few years ago, my older sister first introduced me to the program when she enrolled in her Junior Year in high school. Instantly, I was drawn to the idea of higher education and knew It was something I was interested in as well. During high school, I liked challenging myself by taking honor classes and setting goals for myself. I knew that I wanted to start my higher education journey early. I decided to take advantage of the opportunity and made it my goal to attend and graduate from Yakima Valley College. Two years later, I can honestly say it is one of the best choices I ever made. Along the way, I’ve met many new great people and created new memories. As a member of the student government, I’ve also had the chance to get involved with campus life and help make a difference. Undoubtedly, all these experiences have influenced who I am now. I have learned to become more open to opportunities. At the same time, I am a testament that you can do whatever you set your mind to. My advice for future students is to stick to their goals and not give up. There will be moments of discouragement, but it is possible to overcome challenges. Never stop believing in yourself. “

Aracely Ochoa, ASYVC Treasurer
Graduating with an Associate of Arts in Business

“My time here at YVC has been a bit of a roller coaster. I personally returned to school because I made a promise to my mom before she passed away. I honestly feel so happy I did this. I learned so much being here at YVC as well as being part of the student government. I learned to speak up and this was something that I lacked on doing before. I also have gotten so many friends and learned to believe in myself because of them as well as the teachers who helped me. Being here at YVC has shown me so much. I honestly can’t believe that I am getting my AA here is a small step to further my future. “

Esmerelda Cruz, GSC Programmer
Graduating with an Associate of Arts

“Hi everyone! My name is Alyssa Zepeda and I have had the privilege to be the ASYVC Yakima campus Event Programmer this year. I have been attending YVC for the past two years as a Running Start student and am now going to graduate with my AA degree! Being a part of Student Government has been one of the best experiences! Although covid has made it difficult to keep in contact with people, Student Government has allowed me to both keep in touch with people and what’s going on at school. Not only that, but being in Student Government has allowed me to make amazing new friends that I would’ve never otherwise met, and that is something I am so grateful for. With that, I’d like to say thank you to everyone in the YVC Executive Board and a special congratulations to everyone who is also graduating this June 17th!!”

Alyssa Zepeda, ASYVC Programmer
Graduating with an Associate of Arts