Student Voices: Billy

BillyBilly (Industrial Engineering, Purdue University)
Indonesia

How did you hear about and choose Shoreline Community College?

My friend told me about Shoreline, and then I saw it at college fairs in Singapore and Indonesia. I heard it had a good business program and good transfer rate to the University of Washington. I also visited another college near Shoreline, but didn't really like it. I just loved the campus.

Are you glad you chose Shoreline?

Of course I'm glad, I enjoyed the campus and classes. I had a great experience with the whole International Education staff and I just felt like there were friendly people all around the college.

What was the best thing about your experience at Shoreline Community College?

Definitely being an IPM (International Peer Mentor), because it made me active and connected to people and events all over campus. However, you don't need to be an IPM in order to be well connected. Just get involved in student activities, join clubs, take a leadership position in clubs or student government. That helps you get to know the campus and other students well, and it lets you build your leadership skills. A lot of students who don't get involved say "Oh it's boring ... I don't have many friends" but if you just look around you will find many ways to be active on campus, and to feel like part of the community. In my case, even before I became an IPM, I searched for clubs and activities and I'd recommend others do the same.

How was studying at Purdue University different from studying at Shoreline Community College?

The work load is definitely more because I had a new assignment almost every class. It wasn't harder, just more, so you have to manage your time better. Classes at Purdue vary ... some have hundreds of students, some have 50 students. Fifty is my smallest class. At Shoreline, my Communications class had about 20 people in it and that was pretty common.

So do you believe Shoreline Community College prepared you well to continue your major studies at university?

Yes, Shoreline prepared me well but a couple credits, like Psychology 1 and 2, did not transfer. Like I said, the classes at both schools are equally challenging, just more homework at Purdue. As for professors, I feel that the Shoreline professors are just as knowledgeable as those at Purdue. The only difference is the Shoreline professors aren't required to constantly perform research like at Purdue.

I think Shoreline is the best college in the area. Everyone around campus is just so friendly. You'll feel more like home here.