Millie Land enrolled at Heritage University as an English major, thinking she would prepare for a career in copywriting, marketing, or teaching— though she wasn’t sure a K–12 classroom was the right fit. Then she took an ethnic literature class and discovered the possibility of becoming a college professor.

Land was selected as a Leadership Alliance Fellow and spent the summer at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore conducting independent research. The experience revealed a future in higher education. She completed her undergraduate studies in December and became a tutor in the Academic Skills Center and adjunct English teacher. This fall, she’ll begin a master’s program in English at Central Washington University, focusing on literary studies and teaching. Ultimately, she hopes to earn a Ph.D. and teach at the college level.

 

Diana Vargas came to Heritage University after earning her high school equivalent diploma through the HEP program. She majored in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, juggling her studies with her responsibilities as a dedicated single mother. During her studies, Diana worked through the work-study program for two years as a Financial Aid and Business Office assistant, gaining practical, hands-on knowledge.

Just before her senior year, she completed an internship at Domex Superfresh Growers, where she expanded her professional skills and gained real-world insight into the industry. Shortly after, the university hired her as the Financial Aid Coordinator. Diana was promoted to Assistant Director of Financial Aid just one month before graduating with her degree.

 

 

When Jesse Blackburn first arrived at Heritage University, he was uncertain about his path. That changed when he experienced the loss of his best friend. Determined to turn his grief into purpose, Jesse chose to major in criminal justice, driven by a desire to make a difference in the lives of others. Shortly after, he added a second major in psychology to deepen his understanding of human behavior and the mental health factors that often intersect with criminal activity.

Jesse plans to begin his career in local law enforcement, gaining hands-on experience while continuing to serve his community. After a few years in the field, he hopes to return to school to pursue a master’s degree in either criminology or mental health counseling. Ultimately, his goal is to work at the federal level in criminal investigation.

 

Vieria Henn, a graduate of West Valley High School, earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Heritage University. A recipient of the Moccasin Lake Scholarship, she arrived at Heritage as a freshman, knowing she wanted to become an accountant. “I like the way everything comes into balance,” she said.

During her senior year, Henn interned as a staff accountant during tax season, which sparked her interest in tax work as a long-term career path. The hands-on experience deepened her understanding of real-world accounting challenges and strengthened her professional goals.

Henn will begin her master’s in accounting this July and hopes to earn her CPA within two years. Ultimately, she aims to support small businesses and their owners in the Yakima Valley.