GEAR UP | Goldendale High School | Career Conversation
We spoke with Goldendale High School alumni about their careers to help current students learn about different paths to pursue. The panelists volunteered to share their stories.
CAREER CONVERSATION: QUICK CLIPS
Natalie shares what it's like to be a veterinarian...
Cody shares his journey to becoming a high school principal...
Rob shares what it's like to work as a power lineman for a utility company...
Zee shares what it's like to work as a social worker...
Nadia shares her path as a female in engineering...
Gabe shares how his love of the outdoors impacted his career...
Keith shares his decision to join the U.S. Navy...
Kim shares her professional twists and turns...
GROUP CLIPS
CAREER CONVERSATION PANELISTS:
Natalie Hurst
Hometown: Goldendale, Washington
High School: Goldendale High School
College/Grad School: Washington State University (B.S. and D.V.M.) Go Cougs!
Graduated: B.S. in 2017 and D.V.M. in 2021
Major: Animal Science
Occupation: Veterinarian
Natalie’s Places: Washington State University Honors College, research labs/undergraduate research organizations
High School Places: ASB/Student Leadership, Journalism, Cross Country, Golf,
Reach out to Natalie by email: natalie96hurst@gmail.com
Cody Marlow
Hometown: Goldendale, WA
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Big Bend Community College, Central Washington University
Grad School: Western Governors University
Graduated: June, 2003
Major: BA in History, BS in Geography, Masters Educational Leadership
Occupation: High School Principal (Wahluke HS)
Cody’s Places: Basketball team, Intramural sports
High School Places: Football, Basketball, and Track, FBLA
First-generation?: 1st Generation College Grad - both parents went but did not finish
Reach out to Cody on Facebook: Amy Cody Marlow
Rob Rising
Hometown: Goldendale, WA
High School: Goldendale High School
College: George Fox College, Central Washington University
Year of Graduation: I dropped out 1 semester short to take a job as a power groundman
Major: I started out in Engineering, changed to athletic training, changed majors again to teaching/coaching
Occupation: Journeyman Lineman for a Power Company
Dream Job: Traveling BBQ Chef
Rob’s Places: My people in college were my roommates and my track team.
High School Places: National Honor Society, Wrestling, Football, Track and Field, Purple and Gold Club
First generation?: Yes but did not finish college.
Reach out to Rob on: Facebook
Zee Jimicum
Hometown: Tulalip, Washington
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Northwest Nazarene College
Graduated: June, 1999
Major: Social Work
Occupation: Native American Liaison, Marysville School District
High School Places: Volleyball, basketball, softball, band, choir
First-generation?: Yes
Reach out to Zee on Facebook: Zenitha Jimicum
Nadia Smith
Hometown: Goldendale, WA
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Colorado School of Mines
Graduated: 2021
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Occupation: Fluids Systems Manufacturing Engineering Manager
Dream job: Working on rockets / space vehicles
Nadia’s Places: Collegiate swimming, SWE (society of women engineers), peer mentor program, & resident assistant program
High School Places: TSA (technology student association), VEX Robotics, Club swimming, High school track, soccer & cross country
Reach out to Nadia on Instagram: es_nadiaaaa
Gabe Wilson
Hometown: Goldendale, WA
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Washington State University
Graduated: 2004
Major: Wildlife biology
Occupation: Boat Captain
Places: Sports teams and ASB President, Volunteered at Wildlife sanctuary at WSU
First-generation? Yes
Reach out to Gabe on Instagram: Gtwilson10
Keith Fahlenkamp
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Washington State University
Grad School: Naval Postgraduate School
Graduated: 1999 (Bachelors) 2010 (Masters)
Major: Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering, Masters of Science in Mechanical Engineering
Occupation: Commanding Officer in the Navy
Keith’s Places: Dorms are an easy place to make friends. Intramural sports are great. Study groups are great. I made good friends in the international community.
High School Places: Sports (Football/Basketball/Baseball). Band (Marching Band and Jazz Band). Foreign Relations Club, Purple and Gold Club, 4H.
First-generation?: Yes.
Reach out to Keith on Facebook
Kim Vollan
Hometown: Goldendale, Washington
High School: Goldendale High School
College: Washington State University, Pullman; American Intercontinental University, London
Graduated: 2005
Major: Textile Design
Occupation: Communications & Marketing for Energy Efficiency at Avista Utilities, Spokane, Washington (Corporate Communications Program Manager)
Kim’s Places: I worked at various places and meeting my co-workers was really wonderful. I frequented the gym and ran into the same people over and over again there. I took part in a couple student showcases (fashion show, textile and products). I talked to my classmates to learn about them and develop relationships with them.
High School Places: Volleyball, basketball, track, Future Business Leaders of America, National Honor Society, ASB/student leadership. I also worked – McDonald’s, DeHart’s Grocery Store, Bigg’s Café.
Reach out to Kim by email: Kimberly.vollan@avistacorp.com
ABOUT THE ONE OF YOUR PEOPLE PROJECT
New York Times bestselling author Harlan Cohen talks with current and recent students about life in college. For more videos visit BeforeCollegeTV on YouTube. For more information about Harlan Cohen visit him online at: www.HarlanCohen.com or follow him on social media: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Tik Tok | LinkedIn | Snapchat (helpmeharlan).
DISCLAIMER: All views expressed by panelists and participants are their own and are in no way endorsed, officially affiliated, or representative of the institution, Harlan Cohen, or BeforeCollegeTV. All views expressed on panelists social media are not endorsed or affiliated with Harlan Cohen and BeforeCollegeTV. Students views, opinions, and advice are their own. ALWAYS contact official representatives to verify and validate any information provided