Student Spotlight - Paul Swalwell

After years operating a machine at Boeing, Paul Swalwell decided to switch careers. He found EvCC's East County Campus was the perfect place to start his accounting degree - while continuing to work full-time. As a husband and father of two young children, Paul's advice to students like him is "Take it one step at a time. Maintain a proper work, school, and family balance."

Tell us a little about yourself.

Paul Swalwell, Monroe, high school graduate and trade school certification recipient in Machine Technology (Renton Technical College). Married with two young kids, full time position at Boeing as a 3-Axis router operator. I enjoy riding motorcycles and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

What are you studying?

I am taking what I describe as a scenic route to an Associate’s Degree in Business. From there, I plan to earn a Bachelor’s in Accounting.

What motivated you to go to college?

My biggest motivation to attend college has been my physical health. I’ve been in manufacturing my entire professional career, which has taken its toll. My end game is to gain entry to a position that will provide a comparable wage as well as a low physical impact environment.

Why did you choose EvCC's East County Campus?

Location, location, location. Oh, and free parking.

Who has helped you succeed at EvCC? How?

(Math instructor) Heidi Weiss-Green. She is a wonderful teacher. She helped me by maintaining a great attitude when I struggled in calculus. Heidi reminded me to be patient and take one step at a time, which resulted in me passing with flying colors.

Would you recommend the EvCC East County Campus to others? 

Absolutely. I would recommend East County Campus for many reasons. The staff is always willing to help; the location is much more accessible for those that live in the area; the parking is free; and the ambiance is much more relaxed.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

I can’t pinpoint one incident, but I have enjoyed meeting several highly intelligent, highly motivated young people. Meeting a person in their late teens and just knowing they’re going to do something grand with themselves renews my faith in the future of the world.

What are your career goals?

I have been a Boeing employee for about seven and a half years. I started out as a mechanic and transferred to the Interiors Responsibility Center as a 3-axis CNC router operator. To simplify, I cut out aircraft drywall from sheets of high-tech cardboard.

To be blunt, my goal is to get off the shop floor. It has provided for myself and my family for the last 16 years, but I’m ready for the next challenge.

What advice do you have for students like you?

Take it one step at a time. Maintain a proper work, school, and family balance. 

How do you maintain that balance? 

Very carefully! I try to utilize time spent outside of the house for homework as much as possible, such as during the kids’ dance classes or while on the treadmill. Additionally, I generally maintain a small class load.

What's your favorite class and why?

If I had to call one class my favorite, I would have to say it was Intro to World Religions. Being from a non-religious background, it was quite interesting to learn about the wide variety covered from a scholastic point of view.

Is there anything else you'd like to add?

Having the ability to take most of my classes within five minutes from my home has been wonderful. The staff has always been friendly and helpful. The overall small size of the campus keeps things from becoming overwhelming. If you live east of the Highway 2 trestle, I cannot recommend East County enough.