Alumni Spotlight - Samantha Chapman
Update: August 2019
Samantha Chapman is currently a communications specialist for the Alzheimer’s Association. She says, "Every day I am using skills that I learned during my time at EvCC for my job!"
January 2018 - Original story featuring Samantha Chapman
As a first-generation college student, Samantha Chapman chose EvCC for affordability and proximity to her home in Snohomish. She joined the student-run news organization, The Clipper, and became the editor-in-chief during her second year at EvCC. “I always knew that I wanted to work in the communications industry,” she says. “EvCC was a great place to start learning about my future career.” She has since graduated from EvCC and is currently a senior at Washington State University on the EvCC campus, with plans to graduate with her bachelor’s degree this May. In addition, she finds time to work as a contributing writer for The Snohomish County Tribune. “I am so glad I chose EvCC,” enthuses Samantha. “I was given real-world journalism experience which really made a difference for me as a student, as well as a young professional.”
What is your current occupation/career?
I am a senior at Washington State University Everett, as well as a part-time employee for the Journalism and Media Communication program at Everett Community College.
How did you choose EvCC?
As a first generation college student, I did not know a lot about the college selection process during high school. It was intimidating to pick a school, and I chose EvCC because it was close to my hometown of Snohomish, and somewhere that I could afford. When I began classes at EvCC, I was so happy with my decision. Within my first quarter, I began making friends and getting involved with school activities. I am so glad I chose EvCC.
Do you think your time at EvCC helped you pursue your current career?
While at EvCC, I studied Journalism and Media Communication. I joined the student-run news organization, The Clipper, and became the Editor-in-Chief during my second year at EvCC. Being Editor-in-Chief of The Clipper gave me real-world journalism experience while I was still attending school. I always knew that I wanted to work in the communications industry, and EvCC was a great point to start learning about my future career. Because of EvCC’s partnership with WSU Everett, I was able to easily transfer to WSU Everett, where I am currently studying Integrated Strategic Communication. The support system I had at EvCC is the reason that I am doing well as a transfer student at a four-year university.
What did you do after you left or graduated from EvCC?
After graduating EvCC, I transferred to Washington State University at Everett, where I am graduating with a degree in Integrated Strategic Communication in May.
Was there anyone during your time at EvCC who acted as a mentor for you?
Andrew Wahl was my adviser and mentor at EvCC. He knew that I had career goals, and he did everything he could to help me start to achieve these goals. Andrew encouraged me to interview for the position of Editor-in-Chief for The Clipper, as well as connected me with my local newspaper for a summer internship position. Andrew also encouraged me to apply for as many scholarships as I could before I transferred to WSU, and offered to help me with the university application process. It is helpful as a student to have mentors who are willing to go the extra mile for you.
What words of advice would you give to current EvCC students?
If I could give advice to current EvCC students, it would be to find a way to get involved with clubs or activities on campus. It looks great on resumes and university applications when you are involved with your school or in a club. Not only this, but it is an easy way to meet new people. EvCC has so many opportunities to get involved and it really made the difference for me as a student, as well as a young professional.
Any other information you would like to provide.
Attending two years at EvCC before transferring to a university was the smartest decision I could have made, both financially and with my education. I was able to complete two years of school that counted towards my bachelor’s degree, at a fraction of the price I would have had to pay at a university. I saved thousands of dollars by completing my associate’s degree at EvCC before transferring to a university.