My name is Marie, and I am currently a student at Highline Community College. I began my college journey through the Running Start program as a high school senior, eager to explore my academic interests and get a head start on my future. At the time, I was drawn to film making and enrolled in a film analysis course. While I eventually discovered that film making wasn’t the right path for me, the class taught me valuable lessons in time management and helped me develop my writing skills in a college-level environment. It was an important step in learning more about myself and my strengths.

After that experience, I began exploring other creative fields and decided to take introductory courses in graphic design. I had previously experimented with Adobe Suite in high school, so I was excited to expand on that interest. As I progressed through my design classes, I quickly realized that graphic design was something I was passionate about and could see myself pursuing professionally. The combination of creativity and technology really resonated with me and felt like the right fit.

My college experience has also been shaped by the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. I began my courses online and had to adjust to remote learning, often facing technical issues and the emotional impact of isolation. Spending the final two years of high school on a screen was difficult, but it also provided me with unexpected opportunities. During that time, I discovered embroidery—a craft I had always wanted to try but never had the time for. Learning embroidery became a calming and fulfilling hobby, especially when paired with my favorite podcasts. It reminded me of the importance of creativity in my life, not just as a career path but as a source of joy and expression.Through these experiences, I’ve grown both academically and personally. I’ve learned to adapt to challenges, stay curious, and remain open to new opportunities. My time at Highline has helped me find clarity in my goals, and I’m excited to continue developing my skills in graphic design while staying connected to the creative passions that keep me grounded.