Q, :, When did you start at NSC?, A, : I began taking courses at North Seattle College (NSC) in Winter 2020., Q, :, What are you studying and what award are you earning (degree, certificate, etc.)? A:, I am graduating from NSC with my Associates of Science (Track II) and transferring to University of Washington (UW), Seattle campus to pursue condensed matter physics., Q:, What field would you like to go into?, A:, Condensed matter physics experiment is high on my interest list for fields of research. I am fascinated by anything quantum, especially nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamonds and their applications in imaging biological processes and quantum optical applications. However, I look forward to the opportunities that I have yet to discover and am keeping the door open to new possibilities and pathways.…, Q, :, Favorite class and/or favorite memory at NSC?, A:, When I first entered NSC, I had no idea what I wanted to study. I took a plethora of different subjects like business, philosophy, history, math, geology (the gateway STEM course, as it’s sometimes called) and seemed drawn to STEM , but it wasn’t until I began my general chemistry series that I truly discovered a love of subatomic particles and their interactions. I realized in the general…, Q, :, Why NSC? A:, I chose NSC for the location and stayed because of the instructors, support, and community. Since I live near the campus, the proximity to home was a major factor in considering the school. At NSC, I felt empowered to take ownership of my education and was afforded opportunities I may not have had access to at another institution. My instructors were flexible in allowing me to pursue…, Q, :, Did you utilize any student support services at NSC?, , A:, I frequented the Math and Science Learning Center for tutoring and found the Page One Writing and Learning Center extremely useful as I crafted my personal statement for transfer to UW. I began with difficulty in telling my story for my personal statement in a way that felt authentic but could also meet the criteria necessary for application, and the writers were able to help me pull these out…, Q, :, What boundaries/obstacles/challenges have you overcome?, A:, I began pursuing a STEM career with an algebra one level of math. Because I began so far from the necessary requirements, I had to take eight math classes to complete my associate degree. As a non-traditional learner, it was sometimes disheartening to be taking classes I had in high school but just couldn’t remember because it had been so long. I reminded myself that each class was an important…, Q, :, Where do you draw your inspiration from?, A:, I am continuously inspired by my peers. As I watch my colleagues navigate their work, family, school, and life balance, I am always so impressed with the amount of determination that is being put into their education. It’s truly humbling and inspiring to see people put forth so much effort to reach a goal, and it’s incredible that I get to be a part of their journey., Q, :, Why is getting a higher education important to you?, A:, Higher education should allow you to live into your passions and open horizons to areas you would not otherwise be able to understand or experience. Education in all forms is critical. As I come back to school with life experience and practical experience in many diverse workplaces, I recognize the benefits to all kinds of education. I’ve worn many hats and had amazing on the job training, which…, Q, :, What’s next after NSC?, A:, This summer, I am participating in a research experience for undergraduates through the University of Washington’s Clean Energy Institute. In autumn, I plan to continue working towards completion of my Bachelor of Science (BS) degree in physics at the University of Washington.
Q:, When did you start at NSC?, A:, Winter 2019., Q:, What are you studying and what award are you earning (degree, certificate, etc.)?, A:, Studying Industrial & Systems Engineering, earned Associate of Science from NSC., Q:, What field would you like to go into?, A:, Space Systems Engineering and/or Payload Operations, Q:, Favorite class and/or favorite memory at NSC?, Favorite class: Chemistry 162 with Jackie Hong . Favorite memory: 2022 Northwest Xtreme Rocketry Show when NSC Rocketry Club collaborated with Amur State University Rocketry Club in the successful launch of a Level 3 Formula-150 high-powered rocket with a functioning GPS-tracking payload., Q:, Why NSC?, A:, Its convenient location got me in the door, but the rocketry club and the Ready Set Transfer program kept me here., Q:, Did you utilize any student support services at NSC?, A:, The Ready Set Transfer scholarship and my advisor for that program, Ann Murkowski , helped me with funding and extracurricular opportunities., Q:, Boundaries/obstacles/challenges that you’ve overcome?, A:, I had to work full time the first 3.5 years while I took night classes. Learning how to study for these challenging courses while working 40 hours per week was challenging. In addition, after my first year at NSC, I learned that I have an autoimmune disease and ADHD. These diagnoses drastically impacted my educational progress., Q:, Where do you draw your inspiration from?, A:, My family and friends, who are all successful in either their professional or personal lives, have inspired and encouraged me to persevere. My mentor and rocketry advisor, Tracy Furutani , has always motivated me to face failure as an opportunity. My parents, who both pursued their degrees later in life showed me that chasing your dreams at your own pace is commendable. Finally, my partner who is…, Q:, Why is getting a higher education important to you?, A:, While getting a degree is necessary to become an engineer, I began pursuing a higher education as a means of finding a career field that would engage my passion for applied science and mathematics. Along with these opportunities, I have learned that contributing to a supportive community is vital to academic success. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to be NSC Rocketry Club President this…, Q:, What’s next after NSC?, A:, I am currently in the process of completing NASA’s Community College Aerospace Scholars (NCAS) program, which will end with an on-site experience at Armstrong Flight Research Center. During my summer break, I will spend time with my family, friends, and the rocketry community before starting at the University of Washington this upcoming Fall. I will be focusing on my courses at university during…, Q:, Anything else you’d like to share?, A:, I would like to encourage other students to keep working toward their dreams, no matter how unrealistic they might sound. Four years ago, I didn’t want to tell anyone that I was trying to get into engineering because I was worried that I wouldn’t make it to where I am now. Don’t do what I did back then… tell people. You will get encouragement and support from the most unexpected places. Allow the…
Raishawn Swensen started at North Seattle College (NSC) at the end of 2021 when the pandemic was at its prime and the world was on lockdown. Protests were in the streets and everything and everyone was unsure of the future. She had just had her second child and was determined to raise her children in a world where education was not an institution that didn’t serve black and brown families but…, WHY, ! I was raised by a single black mother who didn’t graduate high school and the education system failed her. She was raised in a time where you could still spank the students, and yes of course my mom and her siblings being one of the few black students were spanked daily. No one helped my mom. No one saved her or her siblings, or gave her or her teenage mother the tools they needed to navigate…, WHY, is for my mommy. A woman who navigated life by herself and started in education where she had to fight and figure out life alone. As long as I live I will fight and advocate for families and communities like the one I grew up in. I remember my whole life saying I would never be in education. I was going to nursing school when I decided to have my daughter. Scared to death to hand her off to a…, WHY,, and the families I serve continue to remind me of my, WHY, everyday when I get to share space and collaborate with them for their children and families goals and what I can do to support them working in Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) with Early Intervention. Today every place I go, I advocate for equity in ECE. I advocate for a safe space for all families to get more than the minimal rights organizations put in place just to keep up with…, WHY, is to challenge, continue learning, and always understand and acknowledge the communities I will forever serve. Every instructor in the ECE program at North Seattle College has taught me something and made me a better person. I felt as though everything they said was genuine and authentic. Just a few examples would be how Ninder Gill taught me every opportunity that comes my way say yes! Even if…, I WILL LEARN, . Ms. Noris Daniel taught me that America is in fact not a melting pot, and to call it a melting pot means to take away from each unique culture, language, and flava that everyone brings. “Power to the people”. We are instead a quilt. So I started a non-profit called Quilt Of Equity that will provide outreach programs to families starting from pregnancy all the way to college. Though I continue…, WHY, reminds me daily that I in fact will change this world by empowering families to take control of their education and to empower educators to take control of their classrooms and how they impact their students and families. If no one listens to me they will listen to them! And i will make sure of it.
North Seattle College students partnered with Edmonds College students on an archaeological dig on North's campus at the site of remnants of the Kumasaka Farmhouse and Green Lake Gardens Co. The location, near the southbound lanes of I-5 and the pedestrian bridge, consists of residential and greenhouse debris and infrastructure associated with a first-generation Japanese American family. This is…
North Seattle College has named Dr. Rachel Solemsaas interim president, effective Sept. 16. Dr. Solemsaas will take over the post from acting president Jill Lane, who has served in the role since July. The president’s position at North Seattle opened earlier this summer when Dr. Chemene Crawford took a similar role at Everett College. “We are very excited to welcome Dr. Solemsaas to North Seattle…
