Beatriz Garibay-Vega graduated from Wenatchee Valley College in 2020 with an associate in business Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA). She chose WVC because as a first-generation student, she didn’t know where to begin when it came to applying to college, let alone navigating college life.

“Everything about higher education felt unfamiliar and overwhelming,” she said. “It wasn’t until I attended a presentation at my high school about the WVC College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP) that college started to feel like a real possibility for me. Hearing the CAMP staff share their own stories, many of which I could relate to, was both comforting and inspiring.”

Beatriz explained that hearing others’ experiences showed her that she wasn’t alone and success was possible. “Having that in-person connection eased my nerves and reassured me that I would have people to turn to with questions about WVC and college in general.”

Some of Beatriz’s fondest moments from WVC took place during her second year. She enjoyed transfer visits with TRIO Student Support Services, group meetings with CAMP, and participating in the Kaizen club. “WVC was a place that allowed me to get out of my comfort zone and built a community that motivated me to keep pursuing my education and continue growing,” she said.

Some of Beatriz’s favorite classes included communications classes with Professor Alman; specifically, a public speaking class because it prepared her to better present herself and her ideas.

“WVC gave me the foundation to succeed in a four-year university and offered me opportunities that would help me build skills I would take with me going forward,” Beatriz said.

After graduating from WVC, Beatriz attended Eastern Washington University and obtained her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in marketing. Once she reached graduation at EWU, she returned to Wenatchee and began working as a Youth and Career Training Specialist at SkillSource, where she supported students in their education and careers by connecting them to opportunities to build and develop their skills.

“Now, I am the CAMP Recruiter and Outreach Specialist,” she said. “Working at the WVC CAMP program is a full circle moment for me. It is a blessing to go back to the place where it all began for me and my family.”

A piece of advice Beatriz offers WVC students is to take advantage of the support programs such as CAMP, TRIO, and Math Engineering Science Achievement (MESA). “Stay involved to get the most of your experience. Attend events, get out of your confront zone, and build a community on campus,” she finished.