Student Advocacy Activities Leadership Team - SAALT

Intended Pathway: I am currently studying business and plan to transfer to a four-year university to earn my bachelor’s degree. My long-term goal is to work in biotech sales, combining my passion for business with innovation that can make a real impact.

Why did you choose CC? I chose community college because I wanted more than just classes. I wanted the chance to lead and grow. Being part of student government and playing soccer here has given me both purpose and community.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I want SAALT to serve all students while creating stronger support for our military-affiliated and minority students. It is important to me that everyone feels like they belong.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I grew up surrounded by strong Black female leaders who showed me the power of community and leadership. On top of that, my mom and dad have always been my biggest inspirations. They showed me the value of hard work, perseverance, and giving back to others. Their example made me want to follow in their footsteps by stepping into leadership roles and creating opportunities for students here on campus.

What is your advice for new students? My best advice is to try everything. Even if you are unsure of yourself, step into opportunities. You will grow in confidence, meet new people, and discover more about who you are.

Interests and Hobbies: I am passionate about the Shades of Motherhood Network, which serves and uplifts mothers of color. That work has taught me the importance of community and advocacy. In my free time I enjoy thrifting, traveling, playing nerf ping pong, and spending time with my family and dog.

About Alan: I'm Alan! I have grown up and currently live here in Centralia and have always enjoyed being involved with the community. I am also a student athlete, participating in the Men's Soccer program here at CC.

Intended Pathway: I am currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in applied management with a focus on accounting. I plan to transfer after this year and pursue a master's in accounting.

Why did you choose CC? Running Start was a big part of why I initially chose Centralia, but engaging professors, relatively low tuition costs, and plentiful student resources are all reasons why I choose to stay!

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I hope that this year's SAALT team is able to foster a welcoming and exciting college atmosphere as well as increase student participation and engagement across campus. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? This being my fourth year as a CC student, the involvement activities have helped shape my experience massively, and I want to be able to do the same for other students who will be here after me!

What’s your advice for new students? Don't be afraid of people! Reach out to/engage with professors, talk with your peers that you sit with in class, and always ask questions. You'd be surprised how much these things will do for you. 

Interests/Hobbies: Soccer, Video Games, Fishing, Hunting, Music, Sleeping!

About Angel: My name is Angel and I live in Chehalis now, but I was born and raised in Centralia!

Intended Pathway: I plan to transfer to the University of Washington to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College because it has a great reputation and it is close by.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I want SAALT to get more students involved and build a stronger community!

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I wanted to challenge myself and get out of my comfort zone, and be a voice for students!

What’s your advice for new students? Join a club, a committee, anything! Get involved! Trust me, it’s worth it!!

Interests/Hobbies: I love programming; it’s one of my favorite things to do, whether it’s learning and applying a concept or building something random. I also like listening to music and playing video games!

About Heidi: I grew up in Southern California, I'm married to my oldest friend, I'm a mom to 4 kids, grandma to 1, and I love finding new adventures to share with my family. 

Intended Pathway: Currently pursuing an Associate in Arts-Direct Transfer degree in Anthropology 

Why did you choose CC? Aside from CC being the only local school I saw regular mailings from, I also saw the value of starting at a local community college to make sure I was invested in my major before transferring to a more expensive four-year school. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would love for this year's SAALT team to get a level of student and community engagement that honors this special centennial year. As Civic Engagement Coordinator, I think this would also be a fantastic year to get Yellow Ribbon status as well. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? It was really a happy accident! CC Counselor Andrea Seabert pointed me towards Blazer Central after seeing my passion for helping my fellow classmates. That opened my eyes to so many opportunities and got me in front of staff I might have never met otherwise, such as those in the Veteran's Center. I saw a need and decided I wanted to be a more active participant in finding solutions during my time here. 

What’s your advice for new students? Try everything! Go on tours, attend campus events, use all the resources, join a club or a committee, you never know who you'll meet or what you may discover about yourself while you're there. 

Interests/Hobbies: I love beach days, reading, watching sci-fi, and road trips.

About Ava: I am a volleyball player at CC. I love shopping, hanging with friends and family, and playing pickleball.

Intended Pathway: I intend to get my Associate in Business from CC then transfer to a four-year to get my bachelor's degree in Finance. I would also like to attend a Semester at Sea. 

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC because of the volleyball program and the community. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I would like to achieve more events and more student engagement at events. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved because I love meeting new people and providing fun events for people to attend. 

What's your advice for new students? My advice for new students is don't be afraid to go out and meet new people and do new things. 

About Izzy: My name is Izzy Rushing and I’m from Eagle River, Alaska. I’m currently in my second year at CC and a member of the women’s soccer team.

Intended Pathway: After earning my Associate in Arts degree, I plan to pursue a career in either physical therapy or athletic training, as both fields align with my passion for health, helping others, and fitness.

Why did you choose CC? I chose CC because of its welcoming community, the opportunity to begin my academic journey toward my career goals, and the chance to continue competing as a student-athlete.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? This year, I would love to see SAALT increase student involvement across campus by creating more opportunities for connection, participation, and engagement.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved on campus to be an active part of the college community, build meaningful connections, and meet new people while contributing to student life.

What's your advice for new students? My advice for new students is to step out of your comfort zone, get involved, try new experiences, and don’t be afraid to meet new people. Those connections and opportunities will make your time at CC even more rewarding.

Interests/Hobbies: Outside of soccer, I enjoy baking, going to the gym, and spending time outdoors. 

Intended Pathway: I plan to transfer after my time at Centralia College to pursue a degree in Biology. From there, I hope to continue my education and become an Anesthesiologist Assistant.

Why did you choose CC? I chose Centralia College to play soccer, and I have loved my experience here ever since.

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? I want to increase student engagement and raise awareness about Centralia College’s events, clubs, committees, and more. My goal is to help students recognize how many opportunities Centralia has to offer.

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I chose to get involved to support my fellow students and to encourage others to take part in campus life as well.

What’s your advice for new students? Try to get involved early and don’t be afraid to try new things. Whether it’s joining a club or attending an event, the more engaged you are, the more rewarding your college experience will be.

Interests/Hobbies: I enjoy playing soccer, spike ball, bedazzling, and more.

About Jazmin: I am a second year, first generation, student here at Centralia. I was born and raised in Utah and moved to Centralia in order to continue my educational and athletic path here. I am one of five siblings and the oldest girl following three older brothers. I love spending time with my family and friends, exploring Washington, and finding new ways to exercise. 

Intended Pathway: Currently majoring in biology in order to transfer to a four-year university, hoping to attend medical school and choose a career path in medicine. 

Why did you choose CC? I fell more in love with Washington every time I visited and I needed a change from home. I also chose to continue my basketball career in college and Centralia allowed me that opportunity. 

What do you want SAALT to achieve this year? Make the students' time here on campus as enjoyable and memorable as possible, and also create an environment where students feel confident asking for resources and bringing up student concerns to SAALT. Specifically developing resources and a comfortable, secure space for first generation students to use. 

Why did you choose to get involved on campus? I really enjoy being involved on campus and wanted to be a part of making someone else's college experience as exciting and comfortable as mine was in the past. I also was really excited to be able to make a difference and address relevant concerns our students may have. 

What’s your advice for new students? Don't be afraid to get out and get involved! College is so much more enjoyable when you are willing to be involved, make the best out of all activities and make new friends.

Interests/Hobbies: Listening to music, Sleeping, Baking, Basketball