Student Spotlight: Génesis Lopez
Meet Génesis Lopez, who is currently pursing sonography at Tacoma Community College. Read on to learn more about Génesis and how she discovered her passion with the help of the College Success Foundation!
What is your hometown?
I was born in California, and I grew up in Auburn, Washington. I moved to Kent when high school started, and I graduated from Kent Meridian High School.
How did you choose Tacoma Community College?
I was searching for the program I wanted to pursue (sonography), and not all schools had it, especially in my local area. In high school I joined the CSF program, and they helped me look for schools. That is how I found Tacoma Community College, so I decided to apply.
What is your major?
Growing up, I always knew I wanted to be in the medical field, I just did not know specifically what I wanted to do. I started to do extensive research and found out about sonography. I had always had a passion for working with babies and the science that goes along with it. I talked to my advisor and asked questions deeply into it, and my advisor suggested that I give it a try. So far, I am enjoying it, and I am excited to learn more.
What are your long-term goals, beyond your dream job?
I want to help others and their health, and along the way, I want to learn every day in an impactful way where I can grow as a person. I want to make a positive impact by challenging myself to learn something new, and by being able to help and influence others who want the same job — or even those who want to explore being in the medical field.
Any clubs, activities or involvements you are a part of outside of class?
I am in the College Success Foundation program. What I like about it is that we have a community we can interact with to receive support to help us with school. Interacting with people makes the CSF experience fun, especially when the staff host activities such as bowling, skating, etc. I am a student pulse mentor as well, where I can help students by reaching out to them if they need extra support and resources when starting college.
What has been the most surprising thing for you so far about college?
The most surprising thing for me is that there is a community that can help you, especially for finding the resources you are looking for. By joining clubs, you can find people you can relate to, and you can socialize and learn new things from people every day.
What is a challenge you have encountered in college and how did you navigate it? (Or how are you navigating it?)
A challenge I had was not asking my professors questions and not emailing them when I needed help with certain assignments. It would make my classes harder. I also struggle with studying, and it is something I am still learning how to manage. Studying requires a lot of self-discipline — for example, not using your phone, making sure you stay focused, and much more.
What student supports / resources have you utilized that have been most helpful to you?
The most helpful resources for me are communicating with your professors, CSF and doing your research.
What is one piece of advice you’d like to share with fellow students?
Keep going, even if it is a slow process for your dream career. You are never too late, and teachers and grown adults are learning along the way with you.
Are there any mentors, role models, or influential figures in your life who have inspired you to pursue higher education?
Yes — Kevin Castellanos, program officer at CSF. He has pushed me to keep trying and helps me with financial aid access. He relates to me as a first-generation college student and has helped me connect with people and make friends. That support has helped me a lot to continue wanting to go to college and pursuing my career.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your personal life and any additional commitments, such as family obligations or work?
Scheduling and staying organized, so I don’t have so much cramped up in my schedule, and talking to my close ones and communicating with them.