Student Spotlight - Cathryn and Lorrayn McCauley

Lorrayn (left) and Cathryn McCauley graduated from Everett Community College on June 17, 2022.

What did you study at EvCC?

Cathryn: I got a general associate degree in art and science with a direct transfer (Associate in Arts and Sciences - Direct Transfer Agreement).

Lorrayn: I studied for a general associate degree in arts and science with a DTA to go to a four-year university, where I’m hoping to study architecture. 

Why did you choose EvCC? 

Cathryn: A few of my family members studied at EvCC, but my mom was especially the biggest advocate. She loved the campus and what EvCC had to offer. She knew I would do very well and find comfort in my surroundings, my classes, and the staff at EvCC. It also helped that I've lived a block from campus since elementary school.

Lorrayn: I’ve lived across the street from EvCC since I was 5 years old and went to the elementary school right next door to the college. And, my mom worked and went to school at EvCC, so you can say I was basically raised on school grounds. But what really set my choice to go to EvCC, was looking back on the graduates I could see from my front porch as a kid; we cheered for them and wished them congratulations, and I just knew I wanted to be one of them.

Describe the best experience you've had at EvCC. 

Cathryn: I took mostly online classes at EvCC due to COVID-19, so my best experience is probably at the end of my education. My last quarter before graduation, I participated in the spring fling, street fair, and club fest with my sister. We had a lot of fun and came home with a lot of cool knick knacks, where I even got a mug and was able to stuff my down dinosaur plushie, who is rocking a EvCC t-shirt.

Lorrayn: The one experience I’ve had at EvCC that stands out the most is when I partook in a campus tour. Granted, I knew a lot about the campus and the location and even remember when Index was still a building, but I thought it was the best place to start to really connect more with the school community. It was a really fun experience being able to talk with Student LIFE and discuss different views of the campus through people who knew it differently than I did. 

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

Cathryn: There are many people who helped me succeed at EvCC: many of my teachers, especially the few who were able to work with me when life inevitably got in the way, the case managers at the U3 program, like Rebecca, and my mom, who worked at EvCC.

Lorrayn: I think the biggest person that helped me succeed at EvCC was my advisor, Sandra Lepper. She wasn’t there for my entire education and retired at the beginning but did give me a great outline for my education and helped a lot when I had no idea what I was doing. And, of course, I would like to say my mom helped a lot too! She worked in enrollment and having her as a personal know-all was probably what kept me up on deadlines! 

What are your educational and career plans?

Lorrayn: The overall educational and career expectation is to go to school for my doctorates in architecture so I can teach, but in the next year or so I plan on enrolling at University of Washington for their architecture program and see how life plays out from there. I really just want to see my last name with Doctor in the front!

What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)

Cathryn: I will be transferring to Western Washington University, and while there I hope to study anthropology and history. Right now, I am working to save for Uni. And even though I am not in school right now, I am exploring different subjects and still continuing to broaden my mind and learn.

Lorrayn: Currently, I’m taking a year off to focus on working (at Dutch Bros!) and gaining new life experiences beyond a classroom. 

What advice do you have for new EvCC students?

Cathryn: What I highly recommend is utilizing everything that EvCC has to offer. Use the library, the open computers, the study rooms, the testing center, the counselors and advisors, basically anything that you can get your hands on. That would also include the fun things too! Try to get a job with Student LIFE, participate in student senate and clubs, and go to school events. Have fun and really experience the college to its full potential, everything in place is there for you!

Is there anything you would like to add?

Cathryn: One thing I would like to add that really helped me in choosing the right classes and teachers, is to look at old syllabi for certain classes and look at ratemyprofessor.com. When I struggled between choosing a teacher or a class, I was able to get an idea of the workload, the subjects, and how certain teachers are, because of those two sources.

Lorrayn: Say hello to the wooden statue of the orca for me! That one was always my favorite :) (photo for proof)

Editor's note: Cathryn was involved with Everett Community College's Youth Re-Engagement (U3) program, which gives students the opportunity to earn a high school diploma and college credit for free.

How did you get involved with EvCC's U3 program?

I got involved with the Youth Re-Engagement program when I was 16, after I had struggled with the traditional high school setting. I explored a few options and I knew almost right away that the U3 program would be the best fit.

The U3 program changed my life. I am forever grateful for the people behind the program who cheered me along - especially (U3 Director) Rebecca Hungerford, who accepted me into U3 and made me feel like I could do anything I set my mind to.

How did U3 help you?

I wanted to continue my studies and get an education but I was quite nervous about whether or not I would succeed. The U3 program allowed me to take it slow; when I wasn't confident I could take or pass three classes at a time I was able to take two, which helped me gain that confidence and become comfortable with my new environment.

What advice do you have for new EvCC U3 students?

My advice for new EvCC U3 students is to trust in the case managers, they are very kind people and are there to help, an email or text can go a long way. I also believe it important to participate in school functions, like the ones hosted by student life. They are great ways to take a break from studying and help relieve some pressure from any stress that may be holding yourself back.