Yvette Vera

Associate in Arts

Yvette Vera was born in Toppenish, Washington. At the age of three she moved with her family to Jalisco, Mexico. She returned to the Yakima Valley when she 13 years old and then, though she was unable to speak English, began attending middle school in the Toppenish School District. Learning a new language, Vera struggled in school, and it took her several years to become confident speaking English. Vera overcame this obstacle and was able to graduate from Toppenish High School in 2012.

Wanting to continue her education she enrolled at YVC that fall as a part-time student. Later that winter she was able to begin attending full-time. “I don’t think I would’ve been able to attend college without YVC,” stated Vera. “It is close to home and there is such a wonderful community of people who have helped me be successful,” she continued.

In the winter of 2015, while dealing with some personal family issues and after learning she was pregnant, Vera struggled to keep up with her studies. For these reasons she decided to take a break from her studies and spend some quality time with her newborn son. Returning in the winter of 2016 she was determined to complete her degree.

Outside the classroom she has held a work-study position in the college’s Print Shop and Facility Operations Department. She was also recently hired as a part-time hourly office assistant in the Career Connection Center.

This June she graduates with an associate in arts degree. In the fall she plans to transfer to Heritage University and pursue a degree in education. She hopes to one day work as an elementary school teacher.