Student Spotlight - Alena and Caleb Benoit

Tell me a little bit about yourself, including the degree or certificate you earned from EvCC.

Alena: I recently received my Associate of Arts degree to pursue a career in education.
Caleb: Welding degree /certification.

Why did you choose EvCC?

Alena: I chose EvCC because I didn’t know what I wanted to do, but I knew I enjoyed learning. I also wanted to be part of something. I may not have known what that “something” was, but I couldn’t be happier to have been involved in the college. The more I think about it all, I wanted to be a part of community.

Caleb: To have a fresh start, finish high school credits and learn welding. My aunt Alena told me about the college she was going to, and it sounded promising.

What do you plan to do next?

Alena: My plan is to become an educator. I want to teach English and different skills to non-native English students. Primarily, I would like to be an ESL (English as a Second Language) teacher for adults. My next step is to be more involved in my non-profit and network with other local community partners to create programs and workshops for the community.

Caleb: Use my welding degree to pursue my career in welding heavy machinery mechanics.

What interested you about your area of study?

Alena: When I first started at EvCC, I planned on studying Psychology. However, I found my way to the BRIDGES Center and a new door opened up - I found myself learning from Chan (Beattie) and Chayuda (Overby). I immediately switched my degree plan to education.

Caleb: I have always wanted to learn welding.

How do you think the skills you learned at EvCC are helping you reach your goals?

Alena: I have learned in class but also outside of class at EvCC. I have learned from so many amazing instructors, staff and students. I have had so many different opportunities happen for me since I started at EvCC: I’m connected with local community partners, and I have had wonderful job opportunities to work for non-profit organizations. As I continue to learn more about teaching and education, the thing that comes to mind the most is all that I have learned from EvCC and its community!

Caleb: I now have most of the knowledge I need to become a certified welder.

Describe the best experience you had at EvCC.

Alena: The best experience I have had at EvCC is: Being able to share everything I have learned and know about EvCC with my nephews, whom I’ve adopted. My nephew, Caleb Benoit, walked down the aisle with me for graduation, and my youngest, Jeremie, is excited to start the Running Start program when he’s older. EvCC gave me the opportunity to share success with my kids.

Caleb: All of the time I have had has been a great experience - the people, the instructors and classes have all been great.

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

Alena: I would first like to thank everyone, but a special thanks to Sharon Moore for her support and encouragement. Sharon was one of my first instructors at the college who helped me get more involved in some of the projects she was working on. Watching her teach with grace and ease helped me believe that I, too, could do the same. Debbie Casson, for always being available to help. Debbie Casson’s door is always open - being able to come to her and chat about classes encouraged me to keep moving forward.
Chan and Chayuda, for giving me an opportunity to learn from each of them and all the work they do for the students and BRIDGES Center. There are many more to thank, but EvCC staffed the school with amazing people I have learned from. So a big thank you to EvCC!

Caleb: My Aunt Alena and Uncle Bob. They have always told me I can do this. They also said anything is possible. The instructors also helped encourage me. They all are very helpful when it comes to asking questions, and all of their classes are well put together.

What advice do you have for new students?

Alena: My advice to new students is to know that it is possible. We all have our paths, but make Everett Community College your path because you will find encouragement in every step you take here. I hope that one day, I will be an instructor at EvCC and share with the students I’m teaching that I first started here at EvCC, and that anything is possible. Thank you EvCC.

Caleb: Do the work, show up to class on time and turn in the assignments on time. If you do those things, you'll pass - guaranteed.

How did EvCC’s Youth Re-Engagement program help you?

Alena: I didn’t really know what it was at first, but once I learned, I knew it was something I needed to get my nephew in. He followed their instructions,completed it all, and has graduated.
Caleb and both walked at Commencement together. We are the first of our family to complete any type of schooling. Being able to hold his hand walking together is a memory we will share together. The struggles we have had in our lives made us think it wasn’t possible. Being part of college, we now see that everything is possible. We did it together, and we both have encouraged Jeremie (my nephew and Caleb’s brother) to join in the path of success at EvCC.

Caleb: Not only did it pay for almost everything, it also helped me get a fresh start on earning credits.
I left an abusive home and was adopted by my aunt and uncle. We looked up all the school I missed, and we got it all figured out. I was able to come to EvCC and figure it all out. I never thought I would finish school, or even go to college.

You had a family member attending EvCC during the same time you were a student here, and you ended up graduating together. How did that affect your experience here?

Caleb: Being able to walk with my aunt down the aisle for graduation was a great feeling. I didn’t feel alone, and she helped push me and encouraged me every step of the way.