College Transfer

Liem Nguyen, Associate of Science-Transfer and Music Studies

Liem Nguyen was in a bind last fall quarter. The 18-year-old from Seattle's Mount Baker neighborhood had dropped a class and needed another course to round out his schedule.

He wanted to sign up for Beginning Music Theory 101, but the class was already full. Fortunately, music instructor Brian Kirk signed an overload form.

Students in this class need only learn theory and are not required to play a musical instrument. But Kirk's passion for music and piano was a great inspiration to Liem.

So, along with his music theory assignments, Liem decided to apply what he was learning by practicing piano for three hours per day for two months. Liem had never played the piano-or any musical instrument-prior.

"He played for the class and blew us all away," said Kirk. "He was calm, self-assured and made no mistakes in the performance. It is an extraordinary accomplishment to be this good, in only two months after signing up for a class on a whim."

Liem plans to earn an Associate of Science-Transfer and major in chemistry or biotechnology in pursuit of an eventual career in medicine.

"Since both of my parents were doctors, they created in me a desire to help other people," Liem said. "However, since I love music and piano so much, right now I am in a situation in which I have to decide which way I should go!"

"I am grateful to my music teacher, Brian Kirk. Being able to play piano has changed my life. I have become obsessive about it," Liem laughed. "I have to ask my friends to remind me that I have to get out of the piano practice room and do my homework; otherwise, I would stay there all day long."

This fall quarter, Liem will share his newfound talent and passion with classmates as a music theory and piano tutor.

<Marriage D'Amour> <Winter Sonata>
Liem on the grand piano performs "Marriage D'Amour" a beautiful and difficult composition for anyone, let alone a pianist of two months.

Scholarship

Jihad El-Saadoun, Scholarship recipient, science and math student and student leader

This spring, Jihad El-Saadoun was one of the 180 Seattle Central students awarded scholarships from the Seattle Central Foundation.

More than $500,000 was awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, commitment to community service or demonstrated ability to succeed.

Like many students, Jihad had to overcome economic and personal challenges just to enter college. Committing himself to education, he enrolled in astronomy, biology, and algebra his first quarter and received all A's.

Full-time classes, family commitments and involvement in on-campus activities such as the Muslim Student Association, the College Activities Board and the Student Ambassador Corps leave little time for work. So in the spring of 2007, Jihad applied for — and was awarded — the Washington NASA Space Grant full scholarship.

"This scholarship is helping me realize my dreams of studying math and science," Jihad said. "The donors of the scholarship have enabled me to focus on my studies with a lot less stress."

After completing his Associates of Science Transfer degree at Seattle Central, Jihad plans on transferring to a four-year university to study science. "The sky is the absolute limit for what he can and will achieve," said Lexie Evans, Dean of Student Leadership.

Worker Retraining Program

Jeff Dufresne and Chris Siapicas, Worker Retraining Program

After 31 years in the airline reservations industry - and one-and-a-half years from retirement - Chris Siapicas' job was outsourced and his pension forfeited. So instead of planning his retirement, Chris, 55, was left looking for a new career.

His carpool partner, Jeff Dufresne, 44, was another of 500 employees laid off at the same time.

The Worker Retraining Program team visited their worksite in April 2005. Shortly thereafter, Jeff and Chris attended an orientation and enrolled in the Web Development program in June 2005. Jeff and Chris will graduate this spring with honors.

The Worker Retraining Program provides eligible students with financial assistance, academic and advising resources. Laid-off workers, displaced homemakers, and even small business owners may qualify.

Some students upgrade skills within the same industry; others start over in a new field.

"Being laid off, going back to school, collecting unemployment - the whole process can be complicated and stressful," Chris said. "But the Worker Retraining staff found ways to lessen the financial and personal impact. For example, they helped in the process of extending unemployment benefits - something that I wouldn't have known about on my own."

"Instructors here are extremely helpful and want you to succeed. You need only ask and they will go the extra mile to help you learn," Jeff said. "If you are not a well-disciplined student, you can learn how to learn at workshops on college success, time management and project management."

Running Start

Edwin Antonio, Running Start
"Running Start made me look forward to attending college because I gained real-life college experience."

More than 400 motivated high school juniors and seniors attend classes at Seattle Central for free, earning both college-level and high school credits through the Running Start program.

Some Running Start students, like Edwin Antonio, are able to graduate from high school and at the same time, earn an Associate of Arts (AA) transfer degree. Edwin graduated from Franklin High School last June and transferred to Washington State University in August as a junior majoring in sociology and nursing.

"It's important to be disciplined and motivated to do your work on time," says Edwin. "It was a challenge adjusting to the demand of the workload while trying to balance high school and college life."

Edwin enjoyed the lively environment and variety of classes he found on the Seattle Central campus. Running Start offered an opportunity to develop his leadership skills by participating in college clubs and activities.

"Running Start made me look forward to attending college because I had some experience with it," he said. "At Seattle Central I felt more like myself. The diversity is really great and there are so many different kinds of students."

Whether you take just one college class, attend full-time, or select a combination of high school and college courses, Running Start can be an exciting way to enhance your transition from high school to college, while saving time and money.

Wood Construction

Julia Cordero, Wood Construction student and volunteer

Like many Seattle Central students, Julia Cordero already had a four-year degree but returned to college to learn a new marketable skill.

While volunteering with Habitat for Humanity, she discovered a knack for carpentry. After carefully researching carpentry programs nationwide, she moved to Seattle in 2005 to enroll in Seattle Central's nationally-recognized Wood Construction program.

She has already completed the carpentry program, gaining hands-on experience and a solid knowledge of residential construction theory. Currently she is enrolled in the Cabinetmaking program to become an expert fine woodworker.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Cordero was motivated to assist her former hometown of New Orleans with her carpentry skills. Fortuitously, an anonymous donor was also deeply affected by the obvious need. The donor was inspired to underwrite the costs of airfare, room and board, and ground transportation for 20 Wood Construction Center students to go to St. Bernard Parish to help rebuild.

From May 13 to 20, 2007 a team of Wood Construction Center students - seven women and 13 men - worked in tandem with the St. Bernard Project rebuilding homes in devastated St. Bernard Parish, La.

Cordero served as trip organizer and work team leader. All 20 students worked tirelessly installing doors, windows, plumbing, sinks, drywall, insulation, roofing, framing, finish work, and performed general handiwork - all in the hopes of helping as many residents as possible move from their FEMA trailers back into their homes.

"Several people told me they were so grateful to see that people in this country have not forgotten them. It seems to give them strength to keep going with the slow and difficult rebuild." Cordero said.

Cordero hopes to get enough interest in this project from local businesses, organizations and individuals to organize another group of Wood Construction students to continue their work in St. Bernard Parish in the spring of 2008.

Read more about the New Orleans rebuilding effort on the Wood Construction students' blog.