Angel Kelchev

From BCC to Stanford

“There were so many opportunities available for me at BCC,” says Angel Kelchev. “The potential for personal growth has always been there for anyone willing to seek it. I was very fortunate to find BCC, which has an environment that cherishes personal initiative and rewards the desire to advance and succeed.” After his BCC graduation, Angel went on to study at Stanford University.

Erin Graves

Earned a degree online

“I earned my degree in two years exactly and went to school year-round from my home in Weberg, Germany,” says BCC Distance Education graduate Erin Graves.  “Being an online student is easier than having to balance your day around a few classes you have to attend on campus. I could be online any time.”

Tammera Walker

Get the help you need

Tammera Walker is moving ahead with her life after suffering an injury that led to a career change. Now she is drawing on her creativity to begin a profession in interior design. Tammera emphasizes that at BCC, “people are willing to help you – they want to see you succeed.” With support from TRiO Student Support Services and Disability Support Services, Tammera was able to secure all the help she needed to succeed in school.

William Wong

"BCC is a comfortable place for returning students, according to William Wong. “There are all kinds of people here, and all ages. You feel at home when you step onto campus – it’s a lively and welcoming community.”

Chris Franz

From BCC to Columbia

"When I came to BCC I’d been out of school for eight years,” says Chris Franz. “But at BCC they helped me learn all over again how to write essays, study, and succeed. The resources for students here are vast.”

BCC programs to help students include Multi-Cultural Services, Reading/Writing and Math Labs, Work First (for low-income parents), Worker Retraining (for displaced workers), Counseling Center, Disability Support Services, Educational Planning, TriO (for first-generation students) and the Career and Women’s Centers. With help from several of these services, Chris completed his BCC degree then transferred to Columbia University.

Chris says his studies here prepared him well for the transition. “Looking back on my decision to attend BCC, it was a good one. I received an equal, if not better, education at BCC compared to my peers who started out at Columbia.”

Shawn Sloan

Experience BCC online

To Shawn Sloan, of southern California, BCC’s Distance Education provides a path to an otherwise unattainable education. “I wouldn’t have this opportunity without Distance Ed.,” Shawn says.

“For medical reasons, walking around a campus would be nearly impossible for me.” And the program works. “Distance Ed is not for those who need hand-holding,” Shawn says. “But if a person is dedicated and willing to commit to the task, it is wonderful. There is the flexibility of scheduling, not having to travel to a campus, fight with traffic or find parking. The online experience at BCC has been a major benefit in my life.”

Maria Villa

A diverse community

The first daughter in her family of 10 to attend college, Maria Villa was born in Mexico and grew up in Yakima, Washington. Maria says she felt welcome immediately at BCC. “It’s a very diverse community,” she says. “I fell in love with the campus and the people.” And she learned more than just academics. “I learned important real-world skills at BCC – how to work with others, how to manage my time and how to lead.”

“The instructors at BCC are always willing to answer questions and meet you during their office hours to help you decide the route you want to take,” says Maria Villa. “The instructors were also my advisors. They would help me not just with homework, but also with planning my future.”

Amanda Kellogg

Dropout to graduate

“Sometimes I think, ‘Where would I be right now if it weren’t for Bellevue Community College?’ I definitely wouldn’t be in such a good place as I am now,” says Amanda Kellogg, a former high school dropout who, after graduating from BCC, went on to become merchandising manager for the Hudson Group.

Bonnie Lau

Personal touch

 “At BCC, because of the small class size and the instructors’ office hours, students can really get to know the teachers,” says Bonnie Lau. “They actually know what you are doing with your studies and what your goals are. So when you ask for a reference letter for a job or to get into a four-year school, they are happy to help, and the letters are informed and personal.”

Aaron Gregson

Career options

“You have no idea how much BCC helped me. I’ve done a full 180-degree turn on my life,” says Aaron Gregson, a former high school dropout. “Thanks to the CEO (Career Education Options) program, everything has clicked into place. I can’t imagine where I’d be if I hadn’t come to BCC.”