Summer 2024
A Father-Daughter Graduation Story
Paul and Issabel Johnson, father and daughter, graduated from Skagit Valley College’s Whidbey Island campus this spring. Paul earned his Bachelor of Applied Science in Management (BASM), and Issabel earned her associate’s degree through the Running Start program. Their joint academic endeavor reflects a commitment to learning and overcoming challenges together.
How does this accomplishment make you feel and what does it mean to you?
Paul: I am very proud that we were able to achieve this together. It’s probably not common, making it an even prouder moment for me.
Paul, can you tell us a little bit about your decision to pursue a Bachelor of Applied Science in Management at Skagit Valley College (SVC)?
Paul: I completed my associate’s degree at SVC and decided to continue my education here. My program is entirely online, which has been an excellent fit for me. SVC was perfect for Issabel to participate in the Running Start program. We live in Coupeville and she attended the Whidbey Island campus.
What are some of the biggest adjustments you made going back to school as an adult learner?
Paul: It is challenging. When I first started, I cleared my calendar for the first quarter, just to feel it out and get into the swing of it. Once I started working again, I realized time management would be very important. As you get older, you don’t absorb information as quickly, so things took a bit longer for me. Time has always been my adversary.
How did SVC support you in achieving your educational goals?
Paul: Even though my courses were entirely online, I was part of a cohort program. This meant that I got to know and receive support from fellow students and faculty despite being online. The director and most of the faculty remain consistent throughout the program. If I needed resources like the library or any assistance, there was always someone available to help. I chose SVC because of its nearby campus. The local connection was very important to me.
What advice would you give to other adults considering going back to school, especially those working or with families?
Paul: If you feel a degree is going to help you improve your situation, understand that there’s going to be a time requirement. It is a balancing act that requires some sacrifice.
Issabel, what initially sparked your interest in pursuing Running Start or pursuing college while in high school?
Issabel: It was my parents. My dad wanted to go back and finish his degree, and my mom, who worked at the college, recommended the program. I wanted to get ahead and take a gap year, so I wanted to complete my associate’s before that.
Did having your dad also enroll provide any unique support or motivation while you were in Running Start?
Issabel: I liked that we took some similar classes. He’s very competitive, so it motivated me to try and one-up him in my classes and get better grades to have some bragging rights.
What are your post-graduation plans?
Issabel: After I get my associate’s, I’m going for a transfer degree. We’re moving to Australia, and I plan to take a few months to travel. I really want to go into forensics or psychology, so I will study psychology and then specialize in forensic psychology. I was accepted into Bond University on the Gold Coast, one of my top picks.
What advice would you give to students considering alternative educational paths like Running Start?
Issabel: High school students considering Running Start should understand that it’s worthwhile to overcome the social aspect of not attending high school classes with friends as often. Despite this change, I’m still graduating alongside those same peers. Personally, as an athlete, I still see my friends regularly through sports. Genuine friends will make time for you outside of school. Overcoming the fear of missing that constant interaction was definitely worth it.
If you are interested in learning about how you can support scholarships at Skagit Valley College, please visit skagitfoundation.org/support-svc-foundation.
