CLARKSTON–The annual Washington State Association of College Trustees "Transforming Lives Award" was presented to Walla Walla Community College (WWCC) Clarkston nursing student Brionna Mimier. The WWCC Board of Trustees selected her in recognition of the value education has made itself in her life.

Created in 2012, the Transforming Lives Awards program recognizes current and former students whose lives have been changed by pursuing higher education at a community or technical college and includes a small scholarship. The board of trustees of each college names one recipient, whose story and picture are included in a booklet shared with state legislators and the broader higher education community. During its last meeting, the WWCC Board chose Mimier for recognition this year.

In an essay submitted to the WWCC Board, Mimier wrote that she felt as though she'd lost 10 years of her life following high school.

"I started hanging out with the wrong people and soon lost everything that I worked so hard for," she wrote. "I had no job, no car and no place to live."

Mimier credits her friends, family, and WWCC for giving her the courage and the tools to turn her life around.

Despite her own "fear, worries, and self-doubt," Mimier said she reached out to the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program coordinator at Walla Walla Community College's Clarkston campus.

"Throughout my experience, the caring faculty and staff largely contributed to my success," she wrote. "I finally felt like I belonged somewhere and that I had a purpose. Anytime I was struggling, whether it was a homework problem or needing help with printing something in the library, there was always someone willing to help. I finally understood the saying: 'Failure is not an option' because no one was going to let me fail and I wasn't about to let anyone down."

Walla Walla Community College offers one of the largest and most competitive nursing programs in the state of Washington. After completing her Associates and Arts degree at WWCC, Mimier is nearly finished with the first quarter of the nursing program. Her goal is to receive an RN license and "live out my dream and passion of caring for others."

The Walla Walla Community College Board of Trustees received many inspiring and compelling essays from students, said Board Chair Sergio Hernandez.

"We were impressed by Brionna Mimier's strength and determination," Hernandez said. "We know some students have a difficult transition after high school for a variety of reasons. WWCC is here to help our students get a strong start toward realizing their dreams."

WWCC is registering students now through December 29, 2020 for the winter quarter. For more information call 509-522-2500.