Armondo Maciel

Associate of Applied Science in Business Management
Certificate in Accounting Clerk

Armondo Maciel was born in Orange County, California and moved to the Yakima Valley with his mother. He attended area schools in Sunnyside, Zillah, and Toppenish before settling in Yakima. At age 14 he began missing school, experimenting with drugs, and became immersed in the gang culture. By 17 he had missed too much school and dropped out. “I was in a bad state of mind,” stated Maciel. “I had no respect for anyone or anything and no boundaries. I tried to return to school to finish my diploma, but I was unsuccessful,” he continued.

For the next several years, Maciel struggled. After serving time in jail, he realized he needed to make a change. With the help of the Washington State’s Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Treatment and Support Act (ADATSA) he was able to seek treatment in Spokane. He was also able to work toward and earn his GED. “I really want to break the cycle,” continued Maciel. “I think it’s my destiny in a sense,” he continued.

He then decided to enroll at YVC. “I really love the atmosphere at YVC. It has given me a real sense of belonging. I now have feelings of worth, self-respect, and dignity. I’ve also been able to establish healthy relationships and have gotten to know people. I don’t think I would be where I am at now without the college,” he continued. In June he graduates with his associate of applied science degree in business management and a certificate of achievement in accounting clerk. He plans to attend cosmetology school in hopes of growing his business at his barbershop.

Maciel has found additional support through the local Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous groups. He hopes to give back to the community and help others, including his children, break the cycle and make better life choices. “I’ve lost so much time. The world went around me too many times when I was alone and when there was no one else around me. I feel really blessed for all the support and help I received,” he concluded.