Allow me to introduce Keya, a recent graduate who came to OC byway of her hometown in Sitka, Alaska. Thanks to Olympic College, Keya is achieving her career goals and in doing so, making a better life for her growing family. Along the way she learned skills and made connections that will last a lifetime. Take it away, Keya.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Growing up, I knew I always wanted to help people. I come from a background of caring adults and teachers, so I know that was the route I wanted to take. I’m from a small island in Alaska and I didn’t wanna be too far from home, so while looking for colleges I came across OC and saw that it’d be the perfect match to get my associate’s degree. I graduated with my associate’s degree in 2014 with my three-month old daughter right by my side. I had plans to get my bachelor’s degree, but life happened. As a single mom, I knew I wanted to go back to school to better things for myself and my now three kids. That’s when I went back to OC and found out about the Basic Food Employment & Training Program, or BFET. BFET makes it possible for low-income families to complete their dreams of finishing college. Going back to school as a single mom and working full-time was so hard but so worth it, and I had OC with me every step of the way to help me pursue my goal of becoming a licensed substance and alcohol abuse counselor. Olympic College has amazing grant-funded programs like BFET, WorkFirst and Worker Retraining that has helped me reach my goals of becoming a licensed counselor. They also have amazing dining and espresso options. There’s also a great fitness center that’s free to students and amazing athletic programs like track and field. When I first started at OC in 2014, I was part of the cross country and track teams where I made the lifelong friendships that I cherish to this day. I never thought I’d be back pursuing my dream career as a counselor, but with the help of OC, I was able to not only get licensed, but also make lifelong friendships and connections that I’ll forever cherish. Throwing it back to you, Alex. Go Rangers!
– Keya, your story reinforces the reality that anyone can overcome life’s challenges, and it doesn’t hurt to have a college like Olympic in your corner. Olympic College has several grant programs like the Basic Food Employment & Training Program that are awarded to students to help cover the cost of tuition. Thanks again, Keya.
I cannot wait for you to meet Jeffery, a military veteran from El Paso, Texas, who uprooted his life to see what the world had in store for him. It’s a voyage that took him from the depth of the ocean to the shores of Olympic College and its partner institution, Western Washington University. You’re up, Jeffery.
– Thank you, Alex. I’m here to share my extraordinary journey, one that took me from the depths of the ocean to the halls at Olympic College and onto a bachelor’s program here at Western on the Peninsula. Growing up in El Paso, Texas, I was surrounded by family and a close-knit group of friends. Life was comfortable, but adventure was calling. Two weeks after graduating high school, I found myself in bootcamp, ready for my next chapter. I served on submarines in the Navy, learning the value of teamwork while being deployed with my shipmates. After my second enlistment, I became a commercial diver, embracing the challenges of working on underwater projects. But then came a new challenge, college at the age of 33. I was skeptical and nervous, wondering if I could navigate through this new environment. That’s when I found OC and the incredible support at the Military & Veterans Programs. The Military & Veterans Support Center became my second home. The resources available, the people I met, they gave me the confidence I needed. Just like the close-knit teams I was used to back home, in submarines and as a diver, I felt that comradery here. I didn’t justify my confidence here. I found my purpose with countless leadership opportunities and became president of OC Student Veterans of America Chapter. My role at the college allowed me to speak to the state legislator and advocate for funding to make college more affordable for those in need. Through OC’s partnership with Western Washington University, I was able to transfer to the Bachelor’s of Business Administration Program here at the Poulsbo campus. Through hard work and determination, we can all achieve great things. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Jeffery. OC has the second largest population of military-connected students of any college or university in all of Washington State. And thanks to partnerships with Western, Washington State University and Old Dominion Global, students can complete their bachelor’s degree locally without having to travel across Puget Sound. Cheers, Jeffery.
Let’s meet Guyland, a local student from right here in Bremerton. It can be difficult for student athletes to balance all the responsibilities of being in school and competing, but Guyland is finding success thanks to the welcoming and supportive environment of Olympic College. Alright, Guyland, I’m handing the baton over to you. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. As a track and field and cross country student athlete at Olympic College, I’m running towards my future instead of running from it. Throughout high school, a low-key struggled with keeping up with school, sports and work, but OC has helped me make a stressful situation a little easier to handle. My athletic counselor and coaches are always here to support and make sure that we stay on top of everything. School can be rough, but they’ve taught me that it’s okay to ask for help or take a break when I need it. For the longest time, I’ve been dealing with depression and self-doubt. I was trying to be the perfect student athlete, but that did nothing to me but destroy my grades and warped my athletic performance and left me feeling useless and broken. At OC, I have found a supportive community of people that I can trust and talk to about it. Because of my experiences, I want to become a school counselor. I never saw a lot of administrators of color, so I would like to be what I didn’t have. Knowing a little of what it’s like, it could help a lot of other Black, Indigenous, and people of color student athletes gain more confidence. Now it’s a new year and I’m choosing not to fall. This track has always been my home. It’s let me scraped up and made me never want to come back. But it’s also given me new experiences, new friends and support, new coaches and resources, and shown me that I can persevere through anything. My time here has not only allowed me to grow as a student athlete but as a person, and the experiences and friendships I’ve made are something I wouldn’t trade for the world. Thanks, Alex, I gotta run.
– Guyland, it is so good to know you are getting the holistic support you need both personally and academically. As part of the Northwest Athletic Conference, Olympic College competes against teams in Idaho, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia in 11 different women and men’s sports, thanks again.
Let’s hear from Drew, a scholarship recipient who’s pursuing a degree in engineering. She’s active in several clubs and participating in a unique program that supports underrepresented populations in STEM programs. Let’s hear how the many programs and services offered at OC are helping Drew thrive in college. Drew, the floor is all yours.
– Thanks, Alex. I came to Olympic College because I heard great things about their engineering program and as a scholarship recipient, I’m receiving funding to help pay for the cost of tuition and housing. I came to OC after being homeless and couch surfing for over a year. I visited the Welcome Center where they helped me get enrolled literally 15 minutes before enrollment closed for the quarter. They got me connected with an apartment in the Residence Hall where I’m roommates with a really cool international student from Japan. Not long after enrolling, I found a program here called MESA, which stands for Math, Engineering, Science and Achievement. MESA helps people from underrepresented populations like women in STEMP. There’s an amazing MESA study center and the program helps pay for books, supplies like calculators, and covers the cost of tickets for engineering conferences. We’re even going to be programming lunar satellites which will orbit the moon, which is insane. Since joining MESA, I’ve met so many other amazing STEM majors. My goal is to earn my associate’s degree here and then transfer to a university to get my bachelor’s in engineering. I’m so grateful to Olympic College for all the resources and support I’ve received since enrolling. I’m also enjoying clubs like the Tabletop Role Playing Club and the Computer Animation Club, which I joined recently. I’m an Alaskan native and a member of the Tlingit tribe. Through online classes at Northwest Indian College, I learned about the high poverty rate among Native Americans. Their communities rely heavily on things like donors to be able to afford dental, medical, scholarships, and food assistance programs. I received a food assistance grant from my tribe to help me pay for groceries while in college. I’m hoping that one day with my degree I can repay the favor to future students of my tribe. Back to you, Alex.
– Drew, thanks for sharing your story with us. Olympic College has so many programs that support its students. Each year, the OC Foundation awards more than $400,000 in scholarships to OC students, including the Promise Scholarship, which guarantees tuition for students from a growing number of area high schools, thanks again.
Join us in welcoming Mora to “The College Tour.” Mora had barely set foot on campus before being embraced by students and faculty as though she’s been enrolled for years. As a student in the OC Film School, she’s working towards her bachelor’s in one of the most innovative and affordable film schools in the entire nation. Lights, camera, action. Take it away, Mora.
– Thanks, Alex. From the moment I stepped foot onto this campus, I knew I was part of a family. I met with a professor to tour the facilities, and before I left campus, not only was I sitting in on his acting class, but I was actively participating as if I’d been enrolled all along. I got my filmmaking start creating cinematic vlogs and stories. I didn’t have a crew, so I was working every role. From writer to director to talent, I did it all. While that was fun for a while, I yearned for more. I wanted to be in someone else’s stories for a change, to play characters other than myself. At the OC Film School, I’m learning all aspects of filmmaking and doing things I never thought I could. I’ve learned so much about cinematography, like how to film a car chase scene, all while honing my acting skills with my fellow classmates. I was cast as a lead in a short horror film written and directed by friends in my cohort that’ll be screened at a local theater. The bond we share at OC is special. We’re more than just classmates, we’re collaborators. The admissions process was incredibly easy. Everyone I met was so supportive and kind. Here at OC, I am able to be my most creative self and nobody bats an eye. We’re a close-knit community where we’re encouraged to be eccentric, excitable, enthusiastic, and opinionated. OC has taught me that my college education is about more than just skills. It’s about finding your community, your passion, your voice. My journey here has prepared me for the film industry, and not just as an actor, but as a storyteller. And that’s a wrap from OC Film School. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Mora, the skills and experience you are gaining at the OC Film School are absolutely fantastic. You’re learning from industry professionals in brand new facilities and making connections that will last a lifetime. And although your story is still being written, your future looks very bright indeed. Thanks, Mora.
Let’s meet Anne Edwards, a practical nursing student from Port Angeles, Washington, which sits at the doorstep to Olympic National Park. Anne has overcome significant obstacles to reach this stage in her life. Now she’s making real progress towards her goals in OC’s long-running and highly respected nursing program. Let’s take a look behind the curtain of the OC nursing program. Anne, take it away.
– Thanks Alex, and hey everyone. Growing up I always knew that a career in nursing was for me after being diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a child. I wanted so badly to be the nurse helping the sick kids and not the sick kid stuck in the hospital bed. I’m now working toward my goal of becoming a pediatric nurse at Olympic College. I was super excited to hear about all of the healthcare programs the OC offers. From a nursing assistant certification all the way to a bachelor’s of science and nursing degree, OC meets you exactly where you’re at and provides you the support you need to reach your goals. The Licensed Practical Nursing Program is preparing me in more ways than I could have ever imagined. The stellar simulation rooms where we practice our nursing skills and supportive professors make learning exciting and realistic. Partnerships with clinical sites enable me to work alongside licensed nurses where I’m practicing my skills on real patients and I feel more prepared to practice on my own as a nurse because of this. One of the unique things about Olympic College is that it is a community college where class sizes are smaller and costs are lower. Getting a bachelor’s degree at the community college level is amazing, and the fact that I will be able to begin my career as a knowledgeable nurse not only with great confidence but with no student debt is a big deal that I’m super grateful for. Not only does OC prepare you for whatever degree you are looking for, but they prepare you for life itself. Olympic College truly cares about the success and wellbeing of all of their students and I’m so thankful to be a student here. Alright, Alex, that’s the pulse of the nursing program. Back to you.
– Thank you, Anne, for sharing your truly inspirational story with us. It’s great that you’re getting real world clinical experience alongside seasoned nurses. Olympic College offers a growing selection of healthcare programs, including a first of its kind nursing pathway that allows Army and Navy veterans to gain college credit for prior work experience. Cheers, Anne.
Let’s say hello to Jolisse. Jolisse is an alum of Notre Dame that majored in International Studies, whose student experience paved the way for a career directly after graduation. At NDMU, 90% of students participate in internships, research, or other experiential learning pursuits. Jolisse, tell us all about your experience at NDMU and how it helped you launch your professional career. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Coming from a small town in northern New Jersey, I never would’ve pictured myself right here in Baltimore City, Maryland, but it was the right amount of adventure and excitement that I was seeking. Only an hour away from Washington, D.C. and with its status as a non-governmental organization with the United Nations, NDMU was the perfect environment for me. The political science professors had a distinct focus on women’s issues. These courses prepared me for success to become the university’s first Newman Civic Fellow, where I spearheaded a campaign to discuss the divisiveness and politics and strategies to combat this societal issue. During COVID-19, I was nominated at Notre Dame student representative for the Maryland Higher Education Commission. From there, I was awarded a full scholarship to the Leadership and American Presidency Program with the Fund for American Studies in the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. With this program, I was able to live, attend classes, and work as a research assistant for the Global Disinformation Index, all right here in our nation’s capital. I soon became a defense policy intern, addressing cyber campaigns and the defense industrial base at the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. And from there, I was awarded the National Defense Fellowship. Through this fellowship, I was able to engage with top military officials, congressional representatives, and private industry leaders discussing current issues impacting US national security interests. A professor of mine assisted me with my research, analyzing disinformation campaigns sponsored by China and Russia. Just a few weeks before my graduation, I received the grand prize for best undergraduate research presentation at Notre Dame’s Nancy Kreiter Research Day. I soon was the only undergraduate student to present at the International Studies Association Security Studies Section for that year. Best piece of advice is to seize every opportunity here at Notre Dame. Notre Dame’s staff and faculty will truly help you achieve your dreams. In fact, I was able to start a full-time position the day after I graduated. And coming as a small town girl, I would’ve never imagined I’d be traveling the world and making a difference in our nation’s security, but I am now because of Notre Dame. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Jolisse. What a tremendous foundation for life after graduation. Students at NDMU build invaluable relationships with mentors and professionals in their field. They guide students and enhance their learning and help advance their careers. The classroom is only the start of your NDMU story. Thanks again, Jolisse.
It’s time to meet Michael. He’s finding out there is always something new to discover in his hometown. Notre Dame is located in one of Baltimore’s most beautiful historic neighborhoods, providing a gorgeous college setting surrounded by the limitless offerings of one of the great college towns and cities in the nation. Baltimore boasts 14 colleges and 160,000 students. Over to you, Michael.
– Thanks, Alex. What’s up, everyone? I’ve been playing basketball since I was in the third grade. And growing up, playing collegiate basketball has always been a big dream of mine. When I first began my college search, I had no clue what I wanted to study, all I could think was basketball. But my education has always been my number one priority, so I had to figure things out. After connecting with the coaching staff about playing here at Notre Dame and finding out Communication Arts was an available major, I committed immediately. Notre Dame is a great fit for me. I love the unique culture, diversity, and inclusion I’ve witnessed and experienced since stepping foot on campus. Since day one, I knew I made the right decision. The Communication Arts program is outstanding here at Notre Dame. All of the faculty and staff members have been super helpful developing and preparing us all using real-world experiences and examples within the communications field. My experience attending college here in my hometown has been great. I’ve been learning about so many local resources and programs that I didn’t even know about until attending Notre Dame, such as My Sister’s Place, which is an organization that helps people who are in need from children to adults. This has allowed me to get my family and friends involved in helping in our community as well. Being from Baltimore, I have learned that this city is really about what you make it. The beauty of the city really is undeniable. I wasn’t aware of how helpful and impactful attending college here in Baltimore would be for me until attending Notre Dame. I have the opportunity to chase my dreams in all areas with my friends and family here in Baltimore, and my Notre Dame family motivates me every single day. Back to you, Alex.
– Impressive pass, Michael. Service is an integral part of the Notre Dame experience. Each year students, faculty, and staff contribute significant hours of service to Baltimore soup kitchens, hospitals, schools, and shelters, as well as service trips abroad. 100,000 plus hours have been spent in community engagement, earning NDMU a spot on the President’s Higher Education Community Service Honor Roll. Michael, we can’t wait to see what you do next. Thanks again.
Let’s talk with Ty about her inclusive experience. Here, all voices are welcome, all faiths are respected, all perspectives are valued. This is a commitment to a genuine community that reaches back over 125 years to the founders, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Through an integral global experience, students develop a deeper appreciation for the value of diversity and inclusion. Tell us more, Ty.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi, everyone. Being from Atlanta, Georgia, I would’ve never knew I end up here in Baltimore, but I knew I had to chase my dreams, so I dove head first into knowledge and new opportunities. Notre Dame has created a outline for me and my career goals. I balanced Army, ROTC, nursing, and being Black Student Union Vice President. I love the way I’ve been able to make connections between my academics and social life. Being a part of a nursing program as a sophomore has given me a deeper understanding of the field. It has shown me the seriousness of a career in healthcare. It challenges me to be aware while gaining connections. While serving others, ROTC has helped me gain discipline and responsibility in a space where I can focus on my academics while working towards being a military officer. Likewise, being the vice president of Black Student Union has brought me foundation and community. I am cultivating the necessary skills to lead my organization towards success as we expand. We reflect on our mission statement as well as foster students of color to achieve greatness. At Notre Dame, the campus isn’t just a place to study, it’s a vibrant, diverse universe of experiences waiting to be explored. Through student organizations, such as Black Student Union, give students of color a voice as well as encourage all students to participate. Whatever major you choose, NDMU will make sure you’re skilled in your profession. When I came here, I didn’t expect to be on this amazing path. Every day, I’m not just studying, but I’m also pursuing my dreams. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you, Ty. NDMU challenges leaders to strive for intellectual and professional excellence, to build inclusive communities, to engage in service to others, and to promote social responsibility. Notre Dame is proud to be the first ever Maryland University to be granted non-governmental NGO status by the United Nations. This means they’re known for their ability to do good work on a global scale. Thanks again, Ty. That was fantastic.
Erin is here to share how the Elizabeth Morrissy Honors program connected her with like-minded, highly motivated students. NDMU helps students create a framework to help drive choices and set priorities in their education and in all areas of their life. This includes seminar style learning, cultural events, international travel, and best of all, the support and comradery of a close community. Erin, please take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, y’all. I definitely knew Notre Dame was the right fit for me because of the small campus environment and close community. I’ve always loved learning, and when I was given the opportunity to advance my skills, I knew it would be perfect. The Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program offers interdisciplinary classes that allow students in varying majors to advance their learning in unique topics, such as religion, science, art history, and gender. Within the honors program, I’m exposed to experiential opportunities that have been inspired by Dr. Morrissy herself. I love being involved so much that I was elected to the Student Executive Board as the Admissions Coordinator, where I work with potential incoming members of the program and show them opportunities waiting for them. As students in the program, we attend many social, scholarly, and community service events. Whether it’s attending collegiate honors conferences to present our research, posting clothing drives on campus for local shelters, or building our community by spending time in the Otenasek House, I know I’ve grown so much as a person in my short time here. Notre Dame and the honors program really work together to help students strive to become successful in college and after graduating. Our motto is learn to live, and this emphasizes what it’s like to be an honor student. We are learning not only hard skills, but soft skills as well to shape us into the best version of ourselves. The Elizabeth Morrissy Honors Program has prepared me for inside and out of the classroom. I have gained the confidence and knowledge needed to be a successful woman, especially with a career in a male-dominated field. That’s all for me. Back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Erin. Professors challenge, guide, and mentor their students, enabling them to reach their full potential. More than 99% of students receive financial aid to help cover their tuition and fees. The financial aid counselors work closely with students to understand their particular financial situation and to craft the best package for them. Thanks again, Erin.