Charles Schuelke and Kendra Rachall Celebrated at All-Washington Event
TCC's All-Washington scholars Charles Schuelke and Kendra "Krisy" Rachal will join other student representatives from the state's 34 community and technical colleges to be celebrated at the 2025 All-Washington event at South Puget Sound Community College on April 24, 2025.
Charles Schuelke
First-Generation student Charles Schuelke brings the adaptability and problem-solving skills developed through significant life challenges to his materials engineering major. He believes that speaking up about his blue-collar, justice-involved background helps his fellow students see that engineers from non-traditional backgrounds bring important perspectives to the field. In his professional life he hopes to use engineering to make infrastructure work better for marginalized communities.
In addition to being a full-time student, Charles is immersed in student life at TCC. He works as a re-entry navigator for justice-involved students in the Center for Student Advancement and Cultural Support. He is involved in student government as a Senator for the ASTCC Student Senate, and he regularly organizes study groups for his fellow engineering students.
Charles says that significant challenges he’s faced in his life have shaped him into a “chameleon-like student,” persistent and ready to excel in a diverse range of environments.
“I’m driven by a desire to blend my practical experiences with theoretical insights, in order to contribute meaningfully to this world,” Charles wrote in his All-Washington application. “My strongest motivation comes from knowing that my skills in leadership and collaboration will allow me to support and inspire others, creating a dynamic and innovative research environment that benefits everyone involved.”
Engineering allows Charles to bring together his desire to create solutions that will positively impact society with his curiosity and love of science and problem-solving.
“Long term, I aim to apply this knowledge in a problem-solving role within the materials industry, where I can develop innovative solutions that address real-world issues,” Charles wrote. “This path allows me to make meaningful contributions to the future of sustainable materials and foster positive change in society through science.”
At TCC, Charles sees opportunities to support both justice-involved students and engineering students. Whatever his official role, he always tries to bridge the gaps, helping students find solutions to academic struggles and life challenges.
“By openly discussing my justice-impacted background and blue-collar experiences, I’ve helped my peers to see their own diverse experiences as assets,” Charles wrote. “This has helped build a supportive learning environment where students from various backgrounds feel welcome, understood, and motivated to bring their full selves into their work.”
After completing TCC’s Materials Engineering Program this spring, Charles hopes to transfer to the University of Washington.
Kendra "Krisy" Rachal
After a series of difficult experiences in the K-12 system, Kendra “Krisy” Rachal crafted an educational experience that suited her as a community leader at TCC. An aspiring project manager, she serves on the ASTCC Leadership Team, founded the TCC Fashion Design Cosplay Club and the Clay Club, and recently took on a leadership role as Treasurer of TCC’s Phi Theta Kappa chapter, Chi Gamma. She plans to continue building community after she completes college, using her project-management skills to create and improve systems that help people flourish.
Kendra founded the TCC Cosplay Club because she believed learning to sew would give students the opportunity to express their fashion sense and creativity while saving money on clothing. Because it required expensive equipment and an instructor, her first funding request to Student Government was rejected. She worked with OSE leaders to find a grant, and her second attempt to secure funding succeeded. The club has since taught more than 50 TCC students how to sew, and helped a Pierce County organization raise funds for families who have children with disabilities. Wanting to ensure a smooth succession, Kendra stepped down from club leadership after the second year.
“I am glad to report that as the FDCC is reaching their 3rd year anniversary in March, the club is still going strong with its new officers,” Kendra wrote in her All-Washington application. “Seeing what students create and their pride in their creation is the best feeling in the world. I’m glad this will be my legacy.”
As Student Government Vice President of Legislation and Records, Kendra helps students work on issues that are important to them, serving as a “change agent” who advocates for others.
“I had to challenge the belief that you should always listen to authority, a belief often ingrained in children, and I replaced the belief with the concept authority can be flawed and should be questioned,” Kendra wrote.
As an ASTCC officer, Kendra helps students advocate for themselves and the issues they care about. She believes the biggest challenge currently facing TCC students is a lack of affordable housing in the Tacoma area. Using the skills learned though project management classes and student government and club work, she advocates for rent stabilization in Washington through ASTCC and the Washington Student Association. Kendra says she could complete her Bachelor’s in Project Management at a number of institutions, but she loves the community she’s helped to build at TCC.
“I cherish what TCC provides their students in accessibility accommodations, easy access to getting involved on campus, free tutoring, and more. I want to continue to professionally develop myself through this program to better give back to what TCC has provided me.”