Student Spotlight - Leon Fields

Leon Fields worked in a physically demanding job for over a decade before deciding to pursue a college degree. He realized a college education is important for success in today’s economy. He chose EvCC’s East County Campus in Monroe because the location is ideal and tuition is more affordable than a university. Leon recommends the campus because of the faculty and staff. “There is a really supportive community here,” he says.

What motivated you to go to college?

I always knew that I was academically capable as I graduated with honors in High School but I never had the financial resources to attend college. In my immediate family, I am the oldest and I was the first to get my high school diploma. I realized that our world is changing and college education of some sort is now becoming a necessity to enter and succeed in today’s economy. The great part about earning an associates degree is you are able to take multiple classes, learn different types of knowledge and skills. With only having a HS diploma, I needed to go to college. I was in the structural steel industry for 11 years and that work was demanding, and physically exhausting. If I didn’t go to college, it would really impact my employability as there weren’t many career options available for me. I have always had a passion for teaching and sustainable organic agriculture, and I knew I had to go to college to make that happen.

What are you studying at EvCC? What do you plan to do next?

Winter 2019 is my first quarter at EvCC. The plan is to receive my associate's degree(DTA) at East County,and then transfer to Washington State University to pursue a bachelor's degree in sustainable organic agriculture. Then I would like to pursue a Master’s degree at Western Governors University in Teaching with a focus in agronomics. I think being born in rural Louisiana and now living in Sultan, it has really made me understand the importance of small-town rural farms, and the impact it plays on the economic development of these areas. I have a background in teaching as I was an ESL instructor, living abroad in China for 5 years. I helped with curriculum development, taught classes, and even taught myself Chinese.

Why did you choose EvCC's East County campus?

It’s a non-residential campus for commuter students so it’s a lot cheaper than your traditional college or university. I live in Sultan so it’s within close proximity and the Everett campus is way too far.  The involvement of staff and teachers in the success of students out here is amazing. Because it is a smaller campus, staff and teachers really get to know students on a first name basis, they have the opportunity to go above and beyond because they don’t have many students to support. Faculty gets to be creative, and they can give individual instruction to students especially in classes where there are students of varying skill levels. For example, Tim Langley, one of the Transitional studies instructors, combined three different levels of English classes--he was still able to give individual instruction to students even in spite of the different skill levels. I can imagine that this would be very challenging for a larger class. I even remember during the 2019 snowmaggedon, all of my teachers communicated with each student to keep us up to date about class cancellations and assignment due dates. A lot of the students who go here work and have multiple priorities, they have families, so having classes that accommodates this population is important. I also get the opportunity to interact with different types of students--like running start students, and Spanish speakers.

What advice do you have for new students at East County Campus?

There is a really supportive community here, from instructors, the office staff, the director. They always go above and beyond, and you really get to know them and see how they are willing to support our students. As a student, you need to engage and build your network. This campus is small so it’s easier to do.

Leon with EvCC's East County Campus Director Ciera Graham.

What activities are you involved in at East County?

I am currently a work-study student/clerical assistant. I help the East County staff with projects and assignments. I have learned a lot about Microsoft office programs like Word and Excel via this position so there is a lot of skill building. I am running for an EvCC East County student senate position as I think representation from this campus is missing. I want East County to be included more in conversations about student life and activities. We don’t have a whole lot of activities here and I think it’s just because we are smaller but I want to change that.  I think this would really help our new director if I was able to be in this position.

Would you recommend East County? Why or why not?

Yes, the staff & faculty are great. Location is ideal for those in East Snohomish County who are unable to make it to Everett. The views are beautiful, and they have a lot of programs here for different types of students, Spanish speakers and Running Start students.

Leon is a student clerical worker at East County Campus.