Student Experiences

Here's what some recent students have said about the capstone experience:

“My capstone project centered around the neurodivergent student body at Everett Community College. This was the most rigorous and fulfilling work I’ve ever done in my life, let alone my academic career. . . .Through this capstone project I’ve made connections within the EvCC institution (students, faculty, and staff) in a way that has encouraged me to believe that I can do more than I ever realized and feel more fulfilled than I thought was possible.” - Austin Au 

“I am so proud of myself for choosing this class. I am most proud of the connections I have made along the way of this journey. . . .I have seen a group of people work together to complete a goal, I have seen the public come together to learn and advise each other and I have seen staff come together and guide the students to success.” - Alena Benoit 

“Through my partnership with Washington Family Engagement, I am optimistic about the potential for our collaboration to extend beyond the confines of the academic setting. I sincerely hope that the research and work I have dedicated to this project will be used effectively to make a positive impact. . . .Reflecting on my work, I envision it as planting a seed that will germinate and flourish like an apple tree, providing nourishment and bearing fruit for the community.” - Justin Alvarado Flores on the DESJ capstone project experience

“The differences that we make in our younger years make up the people we are to become. This class has been very valuable in the building of my character and in my ability to help. I've also learned the value of doing something because it feels important. This project has also taught me a lot about responsibility and being able to see something to the end. It also feels good to do something because you can or have the ability to. It's nice being able to help people but sometimes you don't know where to help or how to help. . . .There are many communities that are in need of a bigger voice and this class allows you to be that voice.” - James Garret

“Throughout this project I pushed myself to step out of my comfort zone and to figure out the logistics of how and what I was actually executing to make things safer and achieve the change I desire from this project . . . many people came up to me after the presentations saying that they wouldn’t or haven't thought about the effects that safety and campus concerns [have on deaf and hard of hearing populations]. . .There was definitely a responsibility to do this project because if anyone can make a change for the better than why can't I do it?” - Megdalyn Loesch

“I am motivated to participate in connecting with my community and form relationships with others who share similar interests as me. This not only helped me grow as a person, but also allowed me to contribute to a larger cause and make a positive impact in my community.“ - Bhaby Jean Pascual

“I feel like I can see the world with a more equitable lens. Sociology taught me a lot I didn’t know about oppression, racism, sexism, etc., but doing this project I was able to change my whole opinion about the world around me. Ultimately, I have learned that we can and should question everything, especially if it appears as an injustice. Before, I wouldn’t have even tried to make waves about the Pride Center, but now, it all looks so different to me.” - Kirk Ralston

"The support to focus on something that I thought was important and also had an interest in helped me focus on a portion of the population that may need more resources for success in a society that is really good at overlooking the problems we have collectively." - Megan Macias

“I really enjoyed going to the University of Washington and speaking with other volunteers to gain their perspectives. . .I learned a great deal about historic racism and the deeds as a tool of segregation, with the ripple effects through generations still impacting homeownership rates today.” - Dani Villasin