Running Start

Profiles

Felicia Cain
Running Start, Associate of Arts, Clinical Lab

“I want to be an interpreter.”

Along with her Associate of Arts, Felicia Cain is picking up a clinical lab assistant certificate. She’ll need to work part-time and summers while finishing her bachelor’s degree since her sister, now a Running Start student, also starts college at Edmonds CC in fall. So, Cain is planning ahead, banking on earning better pay and benefits as she works her way through school as a clinical lab assistant. Cain charts her future with forethought and a solid five-year plan. Attending Edmonds Community College in Running Start and for her first two-years has been an important part. “You get a lot of support here from the instructors, advisers and tutoring center. Edmonds Community College prepared me for a smooth transition to the university,” she said. “Equally valuable to me are the skills I learned as a student programmer (Outreach and Running Start Office). I can take the business media, communication and organizational skills I’ve built here with me anywhere.”

Kacie McCarty
Running Start, Associate of Science-Biology

"I've enjoyed the opportunity to work one-on-one with teachers."

Why Edmonds CC? It is in a beautiful location with a warm, welcoming environment. This school has an edge over other nearby colleges because it offers free parking and bus pass.

Why now? The best time to go to college is when it is paid for by Running Start.

Before Edmonds CC I spent a year exploring Europe: Germany, Czech Republic, France.

Best college experience I've really enjoyed the opportunity to work one-to-one with teachers during office hours. The teachers at this college are very helpful and willing to spend extra time helping students with difficult concepts.

Favorite class the LEAF school. I loved getting school credit for going outside and learning about plants and wildlife.

Instructor Jenny McFarland is a wonderful teacher who is always cheery, offers extra help and advice, and even provides snacks during Zoology exams.

Advice for new students for students taking science courses: look at the textbook before the quarter begins. This will help you keep from feeling overwhelmed on the first day of class.

What to eat on campus Pizza - I enjoy searching for the largest slice.

Book Mists of Avalon

Authors JK Rowling, Terry Goodkind

What’s next? the University of Washington for my bachelor of science

Kari Switzer
Running Start

"I'm figuring out what I want to do next."

Friends told guitarist Kari Switzer about Edmonds Community College. Lured by the chance to work with synthesizers in the college’s digital music program, she decided to make the commute from South Whidbey High School. “It’s definitely worth the time,” she said. She likes her classes and the friendly community feeling amongst people of all ages at the college. And she appreciates her instructors. “The teachers here obviously love their subjects. They know my name. They keep office hours and tell me, ‘We’re here if you want,’” she said. Switzer’s using Edmonds to help her figure out what she wants to do next. “This is a good place to come to with an interest and explore all the different classes,” she said. She has her sites set on a four-year university after graduation with WSU at the top of her list.

Will and Ben Mish
Running Start, transfer degrees

"I was ready to go out in the real world. Running Start gave me the opportunity to finish high school and start college."

Will, the band's guitarist, took transfer classes at the college before going on to Western Washington University to study anthropology. Ben, the lead singer, began at the college in Running Start while attending Seattle Prep and then went on to earn an economics degree from the Univeristy of Washington.

Justin Hagood
Running Start, Associate of Science

“I’m interested in an apprenticeship with IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers.”

After he graduates high school, he’ll continue on at Edmonds to earn his Associate of Science and then may go on to study Construction Management or Industrial Engineering Technology at Central Washington University. Hagood, homeschooled since third grade, came Edmonds CC to complete his higher-level math and science requirements after a neighbor recommended Running Start. “The customer service here is great. The college is organized and everything runs perfectly,” he said.

To view many more profiles, visit the profiles page.