Student Spotlight - Nataya Foss
What did you study at EvCC?
I graduated with my associate degree in Journalism and Media Communications.
Why did you choose EvCC?
I chose EvCC because I didn’t know what I wanted to study, but I knew I wanted to learn more about the world and become a better, smarter person. Doing so gave me the flexibility to live at home and take interesting classes. By doing this, I was able to figure out what I’m passionate about and who I am, which eventually led me to EvCC’s Journalism program.
Who helped you succeed at EvCC? (faculty member, staff). What did that person do to help you?
T. Andrew Wahl was a huge part of my success, not only as a student but as a person. As the Journalism program adviser, he saw my potential before I did. It was during his JOURN 110 media writing class that he pushed me to join The Clipper. Once I became a staff writer, Andrew saw what he calls “intellectual curiosity” in me and a deep desire to learn. He mentored me by showing me how to shape stories and constantly encouraging me to see how powerful I am when I trust myself and pursue my goals. He also helped me find internships and was an amazing resource for my final goals and projects as I reached the end of my time at EvCC. I would have never thought I could become Managing Editor of Digital and later Editor-in-Chief of a student publication if it wasn’t for Andrew believing in me and helping me see my own ability.
What advice do you have for new EvCC students?
Please get involved!!! I wish I had joined clubs or gotten involved in student government sooner. Getting involved on campus as Editor-in-Chief transformed the way I saw the school. EvCC went from being a place I go to school to being a place I call home. I was always excited to come to campus, it boosted my confidence and helped me make so many friends. Being involved made me a more determined student and helped me push through the obstacles in my life because I knew I had a support system here at EvCC.
What do you plan to do next? (Job, transfer, etc.)
Next year I will be attending the WSU Everett on EvCC's campus to study Integrated Strategic Communications. During my time there, I plan on starting a student publication and will be applying to their Backpack Journalism program. If accepted, I could potentially be sent somewhere around the world to do local video journalism. I’m also excited for all the internships that I will be doing during my time at WSU Everett.
Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.
One of my most fond memories of EvCC were the “production nights” on The Clipper. Our magazine comes out every three weeks, and each week before it comes out, the managing editors spend a day and a half laying out all the pages and often end up staying on campus in our office, sometimes until midnight. I would often bring dinner for us all. Even though production was a ton of work, I absolutely loved the time I spent with the team. I will never forget the feeling of excitement walking through Whitehorse Hall exhausted after a late night with the editing team. The frustration and pressure of working to a deadline bonded us like nothing else. But even so, we were able to crack jokes and make memories along the way.
EvCC's student media organization, The Clipper, has been around since 1941. Why do you think The Clipper continues to be important to EvCC students?
The Clipper creates a sense of community on campus because it informs students and staff on what is happening on and around campus. By doing so, it is able to create a sense of responsibility and inspiring teamwork. The Clipper allows people who might not be super involved become informed about current events on campus and the experiences of their fellow classmates. There is nothing like hyper-local news, and our publication makes all of EvCC better because of it.