Student Spotlight - Jeremiah Weiland and Madison McElrath

Brother-and-sister duo Jeremiah Weiland and Madison McElrath participated in the Youth Re-Engagement program and graduated from EvCC, and their mother Belinda Weiland graduated from the early childhood education program. 

Together, they founded and operate Refined Coffee, just steps from EvCC’s campus, where they work to create a welcoming environment for the community, including college students. 

As Madison says: “If I had any advice for the new EvCC students it would be to stay focused on the goals you have set ahead of you and to celebrate all the accomplishments along the way!”

Why did you choose EvCC?

Belinda: It was convenient because I live in Everett, and it offered the early childhood education program I wanted. I was able to take some classes online and on campus in the evenings, which allowed me to go to school while working as a single parent. 

Also, EvCC had the Youth Re-Engagement program for my kids. 

What did you study at EvCC?

Jeremiah: Originally, I chose English as my major at EvCC because I’ve always had an affinity to reading and writing, but during my studies I realized it was not just English but language itself (and more specifically how we learn languages) that piqued my interest the most out of the various programs offered at the time.

Madison: I graduated from Everett Community College with my associates in General Studies, but the majority of my courses were business focused.

Belinda: My goal was to open a daycare center. I earned my associate in arts and sciences degree in early childhood education

How did you get involved with Everett Community College's Youth Re-Engagement (U3) program?

Jeremiah: A brother-in-law of mine referred the U3 program to me back in 2010. (I joined in 2011 and got my diploma and World Language Associates degree in 2015).

Madison: I heard about the Youth Re-Engagement Program from my older brother (Jeremiah) who also went through the program.

How did U3 help you?

Jeremiah: U3 helped me immensely by putting diligence back into my life after I had basically thrown my education away. In 2010 I dropped out of tenth grade, and had basically written off any form of education, but in December of that year Jesus Christ changed my life forever. And the beginning of that next year, 2011, Jesus encouraged me to enroll in the U3 program. I hadn’t been able to complete high school without Him, but He convinced me that with Him I’d be able to finish this. So I just trusted Him and began the program. Diligence was put into my heart because even though each quarter got tough a part of me wanted to quit, support from my family, the Lord, and U3 were so strong that I was able to make it. 

This is also the kind of environment I want to foster at my coffee shop, Refined Coffee, so that students who might not have the immediate support that I did can come to the shop and find that same level of encouragement.

Madison: Before I entered the U3 program I was homeschooled, which was not an environment that I thrived in, so when I transitioned into the U3 setting I was so happy to be able to curate a schedule that worked best for me.

Belinda: Belonging. My kids felt like they belonged to a special, small group of students all focused on learning. They all encouraged each other. 

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC. 

Jeremiah: I had so many wonderful experiences at EvCC, it would be extremely difficult to pick a favorite, but one that comes to mind would be the foundations quarter in fall 2011. It was my first quarter of EvCC and the U3 program. My U3 class had the entire quarter all in the same courses. Many of us from that foundations quarter still keep in contact to this day. 

There were so many coincidences that happened in that quarter, including finding out that one of the students was actually a close cousin of mine that I had never met, and that Rebecca Hungerford, someone I had regularly served espresso to for years, was a case manager in the program! 

I made a friend the first day, Kenny. He and I would get together regularly after school and pray for each of our classmates and teachers’ welfare. We prayed for the success and unity of the class and for blessings on the teachers. I was told toward the end by multiple instructors at U3 that it was probably the most unified class they’ve ever seen. We called ourselves “Hugs for Thugs” based on the nickname given by some of the instructors who didn’t quite approve of the program. But we were determined to make a better name for the U3 by proving its success. If at least for only a few of us.

Belinda: My classes really helped me succeed in everything I wanted to do.

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

Jeremiah: I am very grateful for the help of (U3 Director) Rebecca Hungerford who continually encouraged me in whatever field I wanted to achieve, and was always there to genuinely care about my well being and success.

Madison: Throughout my college experience I felt so supported from all the staff at Everett Community College, but someone who especially helped me and made sure I had all the tools to succeed was my case manager, Tosha Edwards. My family, of course, was one of the biggest support systems as well! 

What is your current occupation/career? 

Jeremiah: Currently my occupation is the owner/operator of Refined Coffee next to the college, where I get to encourage students and non-students alike to follow their aspirations. My family has been involved in coffee for years, one of my sisters has owned an espresso stand in Marysville for the last 18 years, and my mom owned two in Everett years ago. I was able to get my certificate at the Seattle Barista Academy, and, although most of my professional life has been serving families as a daycare/preschool teacher, I have always loved making coffee as well and I’m so excited to be back in this field!

Madison: I am currently a manager at my family’s coffee shop Refined Coffee, where I get to be close to my alma mater and serve the community that I grew up in!

Belinda: Now I own and operate three daycares in Snohomish County and co-own the coffee shop.

What advice do you have for new EvCC U3 students?

Jeremiah: My advice for U3 students would be to put all their trust in Jesus, cry out to Him for mercy and grace upon your life, and He promises He will pour it out. He promises to be an ever-present help in time of need and I am living proof of that, I would be a mess without Him! The next thing I would say is that having asked Him for His help, press on in faith refusing to let circumstances change your perspective, and keep on pushing forward toward your goals. 

And don’t be afraid to reach out to us at Refined! We will encourage you in your pursuits, and are always here to encourage you and, if nothing else, just to be here to listen, and provide a safe space for you.

Madison: If I had any advice for the new EvCC students it would be to stay focused on the goals you have set ahead of you and to celebrate all the accomplishments along the way!