Student Spotlight - Tre’vaun Reeves

Contributor: Janice Hamilton, TRiO Office Assistant

Tre’vaun Reeves loves writing, music, and content creation. She also served as Black Student Union President. When ask about her leadership skills She says “continuing her education was the start of learning what leadership means and how to embody the leadership characteristics of those who inspired me.”

Why did you choose to come to Everett Community College?

Everett Community College is not far from home and became a second home for me. I began as a running start student who enjoyed college far more than high school and stayed around until I declared my major.

What made you feel EvCC was a second home?

EvCC became a second home to me because it wasn't far from home. I began as a Running Start student and I did not have a great high school experience due to discrimination and exclusion. At EvCC for the first time, I was able to meet professors and staff that cared for my academic growth and well-being. It was the first time I felt that I was truly learning in a healthy and progressive environment with amazing people that were passionate about what they do and committed to their students.

Did you receive any assistance?

DeLon Lewis, Dr, Esposito, and Christie Santos, all helped me to succeed. DeLon helped me to be a President and Leader of the Black Student Union. Christie helped me to stay on track to graduating and achieving my academic goals. How did DeLon Lewis, Dr. Esposito, and Christie Santos assist in your academic journey? I met DeLon Lewis, my advisor, and mentor by joining EvCC's Black Student Union. Delon was a great example of leadership and he guided me as President of the Black Student Union. He then introduced me to my Trio Advisor Christie Santos who was able to help me stay on track to graduate in spring 2022. Dr. Esposito was a friend, and mentor of my mother. My mother would always say "That woman is amazing" so I made sure to follow close behind her and Dr. Esposito by staying involved in the Diversity and Equity center and then I later received an award from her upon graduation from EvCC.

What are some of the avenues that helped you become a leader?

Continuing my education was the start of my learning what leadership means and how to embody the leadership characteristics of those who have inspired me. By continuing my education, I was allowed to lead the Black Student Union. I was able to encourage other students to participate in activism, and outreach, and I got to learn alongside them. I was able to make connections with those in my community, and together learn and develop new ideas about what our community needs. Do you feel you were always a leader?  I don't feel that I was always a leader. I had learned somewhere along the line that I should question EVERYTHING and EVERYONE and develop my understanding of things, and my ideas, and use my voice to share my perspective. Only recently, I have found out that this is how leaders come to be.

What activities are you involved in?

I was the President of EvCC's Black Student Union for my junior year while working Full Time and taking part-time classes.

What do you enjoy doing?

I enjoyed being club president of the Black Student Union at EvCC and participating in TRiO, creating, Writing, Music, and Content Creation. I also enjoy studying in a larger context, studying the world, how it works, and people’s life experiences. I enjoy serving others and bringing people happiness through small projects.

What do you hope to do after finishing the University of Washington Foster School of Business?

After I graduate, I would like to become an Entrepreneur, Activist, Writer, and Motivational speaker.

What advice would you give to new students?

Use your advocate for yourself. Put yourself out there just to see what happents. Try new things. Opent your mind and challenge yourself. Dedicate yourself to your growth.