Many new students feel that attending college is too intimidating or stressful, and transitioning into a college environment is not easy. Yet with the support from fellow Pierce students and staff, new students can feel a sense of belonging and take on the academic rigors of Pierce College.

Pierce College welcomed potential new students on November 17th at 6pm, offering a wide variety of programs that helps students succeed in their desired career fields such as: American Honors, Running Start, eLearning, Dental Hygiene, and Veteran services.

When people first walk in, they get a program and are provided a tour of our school by fellow students. Many can go to the “Resource Fair” and learn about several programs. The first half hour features Financial Aid.  

Next, there is Running start a session provided by Running Start advisor Adriana Tsaparalis which lasts a whole hour; students in this session learn of the program, and what academic challenges they will face.

Later, in the Rainier building, they learn about transferring from American Honors- a segment led by Julia Woodworth.  

For students who want to pursue a career in Dental Hygiene, future students are lead to the last floor in Cascade. Students learn what are expected of them in the program, and what benefits come from the program in Pierce County including free dental cleanings for the homeless, or people who can’t afford dental care.

At that night there were many directors at the Open House, who have had their own personal experiences of being the “new kid.” Access and disability services director Susan Mcphee stated, “I’ve been working here for 8 years when I first took this job, I thought I would be here for 2 years and leave…and when I came here, I began to fall in love with Pierce. So I thought, ‘oh, I’ll just stay.’”

Director Mcphee wasn’t the only who became enamored with Pierce College. Military eLearning director James Johnson had the same reaction with the Pierce community.

He said, “I’ve been working at Pierce for 18 years I started out in the Military program at JBLM. I was able to see our students succeed, and move ahead in achieving their educational goals. To me, that’s worthwhile.”

Many high school students from neighboring schools like Steilacoom High School and Lakes High School came that night. Potential Running Start students Daphne and Maya both agreed that Pierce College was a good choice of schools.

Daphne stated, “I came here for Running start to get my 2 years out of the way.” Maya agreed, and said that “It’s more convenient. I’ve heard a lot of good things from Pierce; the distance is good; [and] it would save a lot of money for my parents.” Both location and price is what drives most people to enroll at Pierce some who also take advantage of the nearby parks and trails to get their morning exercise, talk with friends, or stay close to family.

Some students also prefer the smaller classroom settings compared to 4-year universities. Former Ohio state student James Kirker says that the slow transition into a 2-year university is what he needed after a family tragedy; forcing him to leave school early. He said, “It’s been easier getting back into the ‘school thing,’ I know some people here too”.