It’s always a special moment when students cross the graduation stage and see their hard work come to fruition. Foundation scholarship recipient Laura Hathorn got to experience that moment this past June, and we were thrilled to catch up with her to hear what’s next.

Laura walked at the SCC Colville Graduation ceremony in June, with her two daughters watching on. “They were very proud of me. They really saw me and my achievements,” Laura said of her daughters watching her graduate. After completing her degrees in both Business and Accounting, Laura is looking forward to the next chapter of her life.

This spring, Laura had an internship with a local healthcare office where she assisted in an HR system migration. Using skills from her accounting and business studies, as well as her Library Sciences degree from SCC, Laura was able to help develop an operating process, audit trail, and systems analysis for the organization.

“It was really cool to combine my knowledge from all of my degrees. There was the business side, and also the organization side which I learned a lot in my library studies. It was awesome to see all those skills work together on a big project.”

In addition to applying to jobs, Laura has also begun her own entrepreneurial endeavors. She runs an Etsy shop which allows her to use her business skills, while also flexing her creative muscles. When we first met Laura last winter, she spoke about her desire to help her community – where there are many family-owned businesses and farms. After becoming a notary public in April, she began consulting with a local family farm to help them with bookkeeping and finding efficiencies in running their business. “It’s been exciting to work with a client and support my community,” Laura said.

Laura shared her gratitude for the Foundation and donors who helped make this possible for her. Her scholarship from the Foundation “created a spark to carry me forward. It’s more than just the funds. It made the path lighter.”

Laura, congratulations, we can’t wait to see what you accomplish!