Kristina Pogosian

Find ways to get involved, because you will be successful as a student when you find ways to be involved with this beautiful community."

Ellen Pinto Oustanding Student of the Year 

TCC is proud to announce that Kristina Pogosian has been selected as the Ellen Pinto Oustanding Student of the Year 2019. 

Each year, three students are selected as Ellne Pinto Outstanding Student of the Year finalists. The students are interviewed by the TCC Board of Trustees, which makes the final selection. 

Read more about Pogosian's year of intensive, effective advocacy for students at the local, state and national levels below.

ASTCC President and Legislative Intern  

If anyone understands the power of getting involved, it's Business Transfer student Kristina Pogosian. She's having a busy year as President of the Associated Students of Tacoma Community College (ASTCC), and as one of the State Board for Community and Technical College's two student interns for the 2019 legislative session in Olympia, Washington. 

Pogosian was one of the student speakers at Governor Inslee’s recent announcement of a plan to transition the State Need Grant to the Washington College Promise. The College Promise would expand the grant to all eligible recipients and guarantee that it remains fully funded. 

"Funding the Washington State Need Grant is an investment in our economy. It is an investment in our future generation; in the individuals who want to do more with their lives,” said Pogosian. “Anyone who wants to pursue a higher education should not be stopped, regardless of their race, immigration status, ethnic or economic background."

Pogosian's mother immigrated to the United States from Armenia, and was able to complete her academic journey because she was funded by the Washington State Need Grant.

“She completed her Associate's Degree at Bellevue College all while working a job, raising two kids, and learning English,” said Pogosian. “I use her as my inspiration every day. If she could do it, I can do it. And so can all the people eligible for this funding."

Read more about Pogosian's expereince as a legislative intern here. 

Get involved at TCC! 

Office of Student Engagement (OSE) teams have planned lots of student events and activities for winter quarter, and there are plenty of ways to get involved, from attending a Titan Basketball game to becoming an ASTCC Senator.   

Pogosian remembers what it felt like to start at TCC as a high-school aged student in the Running Start program -- a little intimidating. But she soon discovered that it doesn’t matter how young or old you are, there’s a place for you at TCC.

“Don’t underestimate yourself,” advises Pogosian. “Find ways to get involved, because you will be successful as a student when you find ways to be involved with this beautiful community.”