Student Spotlight - Camila Garcia Lemos

Pathway: Humanities and Social Sciences

Alum Camila Garcia Lemos chose EvCC due to its International Education program, which remained accessible to students around the world during the pandemic. “The college made me feel welcome in a place far from my home,” she said, regarding her time studying in the United States. Active in the campus community, Garcia Lemos held many work study positions at the college and served as student speaker for the 2024 graduation ceremony. 

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including the degree or certificate you earned from EvCC.

I was born and raised in Brazil until 2017, when my family and I moved to Mexico and lived there happily for five years. I've always had the dream of studying in the United States. In 2021, I applied to EvCC and moved here to start my academic journey. In June, I graduated with a Direct Transfer Agreement (DTA) in Global Studies.

Why did you choose EvCC?

Everett Community College was one of the few colleges that allowed international students to come to the U.S. during COVID-19 without needing an external English placement test because they offer their own assessment. Choosing EvCC was the best decision I’ve ever made. The college made me feel welcome in a place far from my home.

What do you plan to do next?

With my DTA degree in hand, I plan to work in my field of study for a year and then transfer to a four-year institution to pursue a bachelor’s degree in International Relations.

What interested you about your area of study?

Thanks to the different experiences I’ve had, I discovered my passion for world social affairs and decided to follow a path in International Relations. After each quarter at EvCC I was more and more convinced that I had chosen the right career. This field combines my passion for helping others, my interest in politics, and my curiosity about other cultures.

How do you think the skills you learned at EvCC are helping you reach your goals?

Most of my growth is due to the jobs I had on campus during my time at EvCC. They helped me develop public speaking, leadership, and communication skills, which significantly increased my confidence. These skills are crucial in my field and will help me to achieve my career goals.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

I have countless incredible experiences from EvCC, but the most memorable was being nominated as the student speaker for the graduation ceremony. Speaking at the Angel of the Winds Arena in front of a large audience was a nerve-wracking yet thrilling experience that I will never forget.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? What did that person do to help you?

Definitely my parents. Even from a distance, they never let go of my hand and always provided the right advice and support when I needed it most. Being so far away from my family is not easy, so having them be so present in my daily life was crucial to my success.

What advice do you have for international students?

Don’t be afraid! I know that coming to another country to study is a huge challenge and can be scary. But if you convert that fear into excitement and curiosity, you will have a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

I would like to express my gratitude to the faculty, staff, and fellow students at EvCC for creating such a supportive and enriching environment. The connections I've made here and the knowledge I've gained will stay with me throughout my life and career.