Student Spotlight: Christian Ellifritt

Meet Christian Ellifritt from Mount Vernon, Washington! He is a first-generation college student at Skagit Valley College, majoring in music. Read on to learn more about what type of music Christian wants to teach at the high school level to promote cultural awareness.

What is your hometown?

I was born in Arlington, Washington, but have lived 85% of my life in Washington—more specifically, Mount Vernon. The other 15% of my life, I have lived in Mountain Home, Idaho.

How did you choose your education route?

I chose Skagit Valley College for how close it is to home and how flexible it is to work, go to school, have a life and have fun. After spending some time making friends, networking with others who are not students, and overall seeing how welcoming and inviting it is here on and off campus, I’ve confirmed that I made the right choice.

What is your major (or intended major)?

I am a music major.

What is your dream job?

My dream job is to teach music at the secondary level, preferably high school because I can relate to students. I want to teach music, specifically mariachi, at a high school where I can help make culture known in a meaningful way through performing arts. Many school districts do not offer mariachi music in their music programs like in my hometown, Mount Vernon. I’d like to expand those opportunities to other areas, make culture accessible to more people and grow our communities together.

Are any clubs, activities, or interests you are a part of outside of class?

Outside of class, I play basketball with a few friends, and I did a musical drama play (Music Man). I also draw and sketch whatever comes to mind, play guitar, sing with guitar or just sing.

What has been the most surprising thing for you so far about college?

College is not too bad once you get the flow of things. As a first-generation college student, I found my first quarter a little bit overwhelming but manageable. Once you get the flow, it is not too bad.

What is a challenge you have encountered in college, and how did you navigate it? (Or how are you navigating it?)

I found my second quarter to be very challenging—finding time to balance being a full-time student with a part-time job, a musical, rehearsing music and doing homework in general. The way I navigated through all of this was to learn to say no, but more importantly, buckling down in time management. If I had any relaxing time, that became homework time. Once I was done with homework, I would continue to practice music for other music classes and my musical.

What student supports / resources have you utilized that have been most helpful to you?

I utilized office hours, emailing and communicating with professors on why some assignments might be late. The tutoring and writing center can be a great way to expand your writing and get help with how to write an assignment.

What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow students?

Besides not overloading yourself and learning to say no, a good piece of advice is to remember that the journey may start slow, bumpy and difficult, but it eventually becomes smoother at your own pace. Take it a step at a time, even if it’s just a quarter of a mile at a time. Whether you’re a first-time college student or already in college, remember that even when things seem hard or impossible—whether it’s life, school, or both—it will get better. With some help, focus and a little rest and relaxation, you’ll be fine.