Perseverance

Raised in Dryden by a single mom, WVC alumna Karma Meuret learned by experience the value of hard work.  While working multiple odd jobs as a teen, Karma graduated from Wenatchee High School in 1989 with no clear goals for her future.  After listening to her friends and her mom talk about college, Karma applied to and was accepted at WVC in 1989.  To her surprise, she received a grant that covered all costs associated with her first year of college.  Karma describes this as a real turning point in her life.

“WVC gave me confidence to take the first step toward getting my degree and opened doors to help me get going in the right direction,” Karma said.

Her life changed in profound ways. “When I was awarded that grant, I suddenly realized I had many more options than I’d even known,” she said. “My world opened up, especially as a student of Mr. Paul Stowell, my philosophy instructor. He taught me new ways of thinking and expanded my understanding of life.”

Karma completed her AA while working at Sears and at Weisfield Jewelers in Wenatchee, transferred to UW and majored in political science. “I attended UW every other year so I could work during the off years, in order to pay for my education,” she explained.

She moved back to the valley in 2001 and now enjoys her career as a commercial loan officer at People’s Bank. “I love getting to know so many people in this community and helping others develop their own dreams,” she said. 

Today Karma serves on the WVC Foundation board and enjoys giving back to the college that she claims, “changed my life.”