Student Profiles
Rebecca Zenger
Change of Plans: Student Athlete Pursues BAS in Integrated Design.
Like many college students during the COVID-19 pandemic, Rebecca Zenger’s plans changed. And then they changed again.
Originally from Kalaheo, Hawaii, Zenger had been attending a community college in Texas to play volleyball from 2019-20. She planned to play collegiate volleyball at a two-year college and transfer to a university to study graphic design on an athletic scholarship.
But when her volleyball career was abruptly put on hold, she started looking for other opportunities
“In the midst of disappointment, a silver lining opportunity came about,” Zenger said, noting that she found her match at Highline College after reaching out to the volleyball coach. “I decided to switch to Highline primarily to play volleyball, but looking back, I realize that the academics exceeded all the expectations.”
Zenger said she was attracted to Highline’s visual communications and bachelor’s degree option because it aligned with her passion for art, inspiring others and moving people into action.
All was looking good for a smooth transfer, however, one problem remained; the pandemic was just getting started. Zenger would go on to wait for one year –– taking classes remotely and missing a volleyball season –– until she was finally able to move to Washington in spring 2021, resume playing volleyball and finish up her associate degree. By fall 2021, she was taking classes for her Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Design at Highline College.
“Through disappointments and unmet expectations, I’ve learned that complaining does nothing,” Zenger reflected. “But a new perspective changes how you approach undesirable circumstances.”
The 20-year-old took that positive mindset with her during the 2021-22 academic year and hit the ground running. In addition to being a President’s-Honor-Roll-student and playing the outside hitter position on the Highline women’s volleyball team, Zenger held the social media and story editor roles for the Thunderword, Highline’s student newspaper.
“Writing and promoting the student newspaper has been a great learning experience,” she said. “Being on staff has been a great way to connect with other students and faculty.”
Zenger finds the motivation to stay in college through her parents’ support and the knowledge that her college education will give her a clear path to succeed in the creative design industry.
“At first, I chose the Integrated Design BAS program solely because it was related to graphic design,” she said. “I’ve since learned so much about the immense value of a holistic approach to design, understanding why we design and the relationship between other design disciplines.”
Upon graduation in spring 2023, Zenger hopes to return to Hawaii so that she may make an impact with her work as a graphic designer and illustrator.
Saori Ichikawa
Associate of Applied Science Interior Design
Certificate Residential Design
Why I chose this degree: I chose these two degrees because they would help me achieve my dream career that is to become a certified interior designer who specializes in residential design.
My experience from the program: This program helped me prepare for a career in residential design, and has fueled me desire in becoming an interior designer. The content of classes were practical, providing me with many opportunities to design an actual interior space for an actual client as if I was working for a real job setting. After having completed this program, my vision is to design interiors that are a healthy living space for the people and their environment.
Sofiya Yakubovskaya
Associate of Arts (AA) – Emphasis in Art
Why I chose this degree: I chose to pursue a degree in Art because drawing, rendering, and painting are my passion; it’s a huge part of my life and it completes me. Even as a child, I knew that my artistic abilities were above average and as I matured, my skill developed and grew with me. When it comes to art, I always want to know more, learn about different techniques and styles so that I can continue to improve and refine my work.
My experience from the program: My experience in the Art Program has been some of the best years of my life. I get to work with very knowledgeable professors who challenge, guide, and support me. They have become like family and Highline my second home. Highline’s Art program offers many different classes to choose from, everything from Drafting to 2D Design. Having these options has enriched my learning experience and has added depth to my own technique. I believe that being able to understand different styles and mediums is important to every artist and the more I see, the deeper I want to dive into and explore this world of art.
Cody Scott
Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Visual Communications / Associate of Arts (AA) – Emphasis in Visual Communications
Why I chose this degree: I chose this degree because I’ve always had an interest in learning about graphic design as well as being able to create in new and inventive ways. After looking at the curriculum, the classes offered in the Visual Communications program covered a lot and I felt comfortable taking them even though I was new to the field.
My experience from the program: Coming to Highline and into this program was the best decision I have ever made. I knew almost nothing about design before coming here and after taking the wide variety of classes offered and learning from my inspiring instructors, I feel that I have developed a strong grasp of graphic design and have the right tools for a fulfilling career.