“I’ve come a long way,” reflects graduating senior Shonda Singleton (left). Indeed she has.
Shonda is one of eight Law and Policy students graduating this quarter. Like many of our graduates, Shonda aspires to law school, and next year she plans to take the LSAT.
But graduating from college has not been easy. Shonda was born and raised in Monroe, Louisiana, and at the age of 13 was pregnant. Before finishing sixth grade, she had dropped out of school and never returned. As an adult, Shonda eventually left Louisiana and followed family members settling in the South Puget Sound area. “Monroe had turned into a ghost town,” she explains. “There was nothing there to do. No jobs, no opportunity.” Eventually Shonda wound up at Tacoma Community College, and after three years achieved her dream of obtaining her GED. With encouragement from TCC faculty, Shonda soon enrolled in college, and in 2014 completed her AA degree at TCC. Two years ago she arrived on our campus. Continue reading
This quarter, four of our students have interned in various locations, most in Tacoma, but one in far-flung Azerbaijan! Aaron Guzman (left), is graduating this quarter in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. This quarter he was an investigative intern with Pierce County’s Department of Assigned Counsel, working with alleged criminals during pre-trial procedures. “I’ve been learning a lot about investigations,” Aaron says. “My supervisor provides us with real world experience, and I enjoy going to court houses and jails. Now more than ever, I’m interested in a career in federal law enforcement.” Aaron’s supervisor Glenn Glover calls Aaron a “great asset,” and was glad to have him join their team.