Ahead of LBCC’s commencement on June 12, The Commuter asked soon-to-be-graduates to reflect on their time at Linn-Benton. From cherished memories to favorite instructors, here’s what they had to say:
What is your best LBCC memory?
Caty Contreras-Colin (First generation college student, mother of two, human development and family studies major): My best LBCC memory is the time I came to Accessibility Resources back in 2021 to tell them about my disability (epilepsy) and wondering whether I could receive support, resources, and services to be enrolled again and be successful. The staff at Accessibility Resources helped me and since then, I was determined to stay in school and not stop whatsoever. I was heard and have been given unmeasurable support ever since. From that moment on, I have been invested in taking equitable approaches to advocate for other incoming LBCC students to pursue their academic goals.
Nicole Johnson (Visual communications major, barista, 20 years old): My best memories at LBCC always included time spent at the design lab working with my classmates on our projects!
What advice do you have for LBCC students?
NJ: Take care of yourself, and respectfully, get off of your phone. Your mental health is worth it, and frankly you’ll probably get more done! It’s tough out there, but I’m happy you exist.
CCC: The advice I would most heartedly give to LBCC students is to not give up. In the case you do give up, know that LBCC will welcome you with open arms to continue your educational journey with even better support, resources, and understanding from instructors, support staff, advisors, and leaders willing to help you because they themselves have been in the same place you have been in. It’s not easy but it is possible to achieve. It doesn’t matter how long it takes you to complete your degree, what matters is that you met your end goal and that many more students will follow your example. You are not alone on this journey; help is available if you’re willing to go and seek it. LBCC is the right place to be given that next chance/opportunity to start again.
Do you have a favorite class or instructor from your time at LBCC? Why?
CCC: At my time with LBCC, my most favorite instructor was Darci Dance. The year I had three classes with Darci – human sexuality, and two psychology courses – had the hardest health and life hurdles I had ever faced in my time at LBCC. Despite this, Darci supported me so equitably with such a compassionate and empathetic heart with all the professionalism and ethics an instructor should have. She listened to me, supported me, helped me, and brought me so much tranquility when it came to her understanding of me when I was facing major health and life conflicts. Darci was there when I needed her the most and always gave me the chance by opening the doors/pathways to not fail her courses and be successful with achieving my academic goals. Every college institution should have more instructors like Darci Dance. Thank you, Darci.
NJ: So many! In specific, I really love Lewis Franklin, Michelle Kobold, and Keri Taff because they believe in me and for just being the best teachers ever! They’ve challenged me to do my best and been there when I needed help or when I wanted to talk. I’ll miss them for sure.
What’s the biggest lesson you learned during your time at LBCC?
CCC: That I am not alone when it comes to feeling outnumbered due to my age, being a mother, and being disabled. Which is why I learned the importance to talk to my academic advisor to help me navigate the right services and programs that would best fit my needs, such as Accessibility Resources and finding that I could partner with LBCC Periwinkle Child Development Center to start a parenting and student club for LBCC students that are proudly doing the roles of both students and parents for the same purpose of not feeling alone in the educational journey.
NJ: Ask for help if you need it, it’s OK to lean on others. But don’t sell yourself short, you can do more than you might think.
Contreras-Colin will be finishing her degree at Oregon State University. Johnson plans on traveling and finding freelance work.
At a glance:
LBCC Commencement
Thursday, June 12, 5:30 p.m.
Albany campus, Mackenzie Hall lawn
Seating opens at 4 p.m. Info: https://www.linnbenton.edu/about/events/commencement/index.php
This article originally appeared in the May 2025 edition of The Commuter.
