1-on-1 With This Year's Valedictorian

We are proud to offer an exclusive interview with the Class of 2007 Valedictorian, Tanisha Washington, right here on our web site.
How does Tanisha feel about this honor? What is her "secret" to success? What are her plans for the future? There's only one way to find out, scroll below to find out!

LACCF: First off, Congratulations! How does it feel to be this year’s Valedictorian?
Tanisha: Thank you! It feels GREAT to be this year’s valedictorian! I’m absolutely thrilled and excited, and thankful to LACC for honoring my hard work and dedication to education in such a way.

LACCF: Valedictorian is quite an honor. Did you ever think that you’d be the Valedictorian for your graduating class?
Tanisha: I worked very hard throughout the course of my studies, but I never considered that I would receive such an honor. It was a completely unexpected and wonderful surprise to receive the letter in the mail from the Graduation Committee announcing that I, of all people, was up for valedictorian.

LACCF: What was your “formula” for this honor? (Weekends at the Library? Extra hours in study hall? A lot of Starbucks Coffee? Please share!)
Tanisha: I followed the basic steps that we all have been taught since we were children. Attend school everyday, pay attention to your teachers, and study, study, study!

LACCF: What is your major?
Tanisha: My major is “anything dealing with computers”. I am intrigued by computers and everything concerning them. Thanks to the excellent professors here at LACC I am proficient in programming, networking, setting up databases, web design, troubleshooting and repair, and building systems from scratch.

Officially, my major is Computer Information Systems, and this Fall I will transfer to California State University Long Beach to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science. In addition to pursing my Bachelor’s degree, I am also prepared to sit for the A+ certification exam, the Microsoft Certified Professional exam (MCP), and the Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA) exam.

LACCF: What are your plans for the future?
Tanisha: Fall of this year (2007) I will transfer as a Junior to California State Long Beach and work on completing my Bachelor’s Degree. Once I obtain this goal, I would like to work for a major company; after becoming well established, I would like to again follow the educational path and earn my Master’s Degree in Computer Science. Eventually I would like to start a company with my Sister, whom is also a computer major, which will cater to the ever growing system analysis and design needs of larger companies.

LACCF: What do you think will be your fondest memory from your time at Los Angeles City College?
Tanisha: Wow, this is a tough question! I’ve been attending LACC for the last 2 years, and I have so many fond memories. I will fondly remember each and everything my Professors taught me, not only about my major, but about life. Not one of my professors was typical…they did not simply lecture, but talked to each student on a one on one level and were whole heartedly involved with each student’s development.

I will fondly remember each person I met on campus because each one became a friend. I am thankful that LACC has such a commitment to diversity because I was introduced to so many new cultures and ideas which I greatly cherish.

And most of all, I will fondly remember the LACC Foundation and the scholarships that I was awarded throughout the years. Maybe to most it does not seem as important as the things learned in the classroom, or the friends you made on campus, but it is important to remember because through a scholarship a person made an investment in my education and my life. There is nothing more honorable and kind than the act of helping a student reach for the stars.

LACCF: If you could say one thing to your fellow Graduating Class of 2007, what would it be?
Tanisha: At the graduation ceremony, I will offer my fellow graduates an anonymous quote, “If you can imagine it, you can achieve it. If you can dream it, you can become it.” Due to the ceremony’s time constraints, I will not be able to fully explain the quote. Therefore, if I could say one thing to my fellow graduates, I would tell them that the quote is meant to inspire you to have confidence in yourself and in what you can accomplish. Never tell yourself, or let someone else tell you that you are incapable of accomplishing a positive goal. Always strive to be the best!

LACCF: What would you say to future graduates of LA City College?
Tanisha: To the future graduates of LA City College I would like to leave these words of encouragement: “Congratulations on graduating!!! You are the future computer scientist, Nurses, Engineers, Biologist, and many other professionals that will go on from LACC into the world. When you reach your dreams of success it is important to pass on the torch by giving back to our Alma Mater, LA City College, by making contributions to the LACC Foundation which has for years supported students through scholarships while they bravely reached for the stars. I bid you to continue to uphold “the Tradition of Excellence” that LACC has nurtured in us all, and to pass that on to those who will follow in your footsteps to success.”

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