Amber Savala

Associate of Applied Science in Para Education

Amber Savala grew up in the Yakima Valley and attended West Valley schools as a first-generation student. During her junior year of high school Savala dropped out, needing to work to help support her family. Years later after getting married and spending time as a stay-at-home mom, she decided she wanted to make a change.

She enrolled part-time in the spring of 2015. The following fall when her youngest son began kindergarten she was able to transition to full-time coursework. “YVC has a really good support system for students and staff,” stated Savala. “I haven’t found anything I dislike about my program. The instructors are honest and very good at making sure understand the curriculum,” she continued.

Outside of the classroom, Savala is a member of YVC’s Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. She also maintains a work-study position in the arts and sciences division.

Now reflecting on her time at YVC she is happy she decided to make a change in her life. “My parents are not educated and for a long-time I didn’t think I needed to be. I’m so glad I decided to pursue it,” she concluded.

This June, Savala graduates with her associate of applied science in para education. In the fall she will continue her studies at YVC to earn her associate in arts degree in early childhood education. She hopes to one day earn a bachelor’s degree and teach at an elementary school.