Orientation Student Geoduck Guides

Preferred Name: Everett
Class standing: Junior

Hello, my name is Everett (he/him), and I am the Senior Student Engagement Leader. I am entering my third year at Evergreen and studying history. I enjoy writing, building Legos, and playing with my cat Kabo! On campus, I like to hang out in the library or the Student Art and Equity Lounge (SEAL) on the third floor of the College Activities Building (CAB). Evergreen has been a wonderful experience for me, and I hope you enjoy it too! When I was a new student, walking around campus was the best way to get acquainted with where things are. Grab a friend and try to find your classes before the first day. Just make sure you have a map. Speaking of classes, talk to your faculty! If something is affecting your academics, it is always better to let your faculty know. In general, do the work and you get the credit. It can be easy to let all the reading slip away from you. Focus on creating good study habits and a planning system that works for you. I like the dated planners sold at the bookstore for the academic year. Outside of studying, try joining a club, or attending campus events, the Evergreen calendar through my.evergreen always has something going on.  

Preferred Name: Ziggy
Class Standing: Junior

Hi! Call me Ziggy. My preferred pronouns are They/Them/Theirs. I am a junior now, but I first came to Evergreen right out of high school in 2009. I left after two years to go hitch hiking around the country, but have now returned to finish my degree because I thrive under the unique educational model that Evergreen offers. I am passionate about social justice and political science, specifically dismantling feminism, queer liberation, and dismantling white supremacy. Evergreen offers an environment to explore radical ideas with like-minded people. This is a great school for people with anti-imperial ambitions, and dreams of contributing to post-colonial society. 
My advice for new Greeners? Check out the woods! Especially in the winter when the sun goes away, all that beautiful green color can really help fight the seasonal affective disorder. Also, prepare to be humbled. Evergreen is a place where you can have your whole personal paradigm turned upside down, in a good way! Get ready to grow and change in wonderful and uncomfortable ways while learning new things about yourself in the process. Deconstruct the oppressive ideologies that have held you back your entire life and find liberation in the amazing learning community that Evergreen is home to. Dig Deep and Good Luck!

Preferred Name: Zion
Class Standing: Junior

Hi! My name is Zion (he/they). I am a Junior at The Evergreen State College and I started here in the Spring of 2023. I am currently pursuing Cultural & Community Studies with a focus on Native/Non-Native relations. I transferred to Evergreen after having a difficult time with the traditional structure of my previous college. Being able to take responsibility for and control my education, and being able to wholeheartedly engage with things I am passionate about, has made Evergreen a great fit for me. Outside of my schoolwork, I help run the Evergreen Live Music club. We organize and host shows featuring live bands with the goal of providing students access to live music and facilitating community building. I hope to see you at one of our shows! On campus, I highly recommend taking advantage of the study spaces available. The study rooms in the library are a great space to focus, and working outside, weather permitting, is a wonderful way to get some fresh air while you’re trying to cram in your reading on time. If you are a first-generation, limited income, and/or have disabilities that you feel that you would benefit from additional support in navigating college, I cannot recommend TRIO enough. The staff are all very kind and have been instrumental in my success at Evergreen. 
My biggest piece of advice would be to remember that you are your own #1 advocate. If you want something to change, you want to try something new, meet new people, learn a new skill, YOU are the most influential person in making that happen for yourself. Evergreen is here to give you the tools to make the change you want to see in yourself, at the college, and beyond. 

Preferred Name: Soap
Class Standing: Junior

Hello! My name is Soap, and I am a junior going into my second year at the Evergreen State College. While I was at first certain that I was going to study philosophy in college, the more systems-based approach to academics at Evergreen awoke me to the idea that divisions between areas of study are arbitrary. Since then, I have mainly focused on the crossovers between philosophy, historiography, cultural studies, and movements of people. I enjoy participating in productions with the Evergreen Theatre Club, playing French horn, drawing, and singing in the Evergreen Chamber Singers. My favorite places on campus are Geoduck Beach (be sure to catch a glimpse of the bioluminescent algae on warm nights!), the COM building (it is packed with resources and spaces that are very underutilized), and the Flaming Eggplant (a multipurpose space that serves as a connecting point for many different communities). 
When I first came to Evergreen, some things that helped me to gain my bearings were to always be sure to utilize professors’ office hours and to become involved in clubs right away! These are two invaluable ways to place yourself as a part of a supportive community in which you can help to further everyone’s creative interests. And a secret- it is always a good idea to cook your own food as an incoming student. The Evergreen Organic Farm runs a farm stand on Tuesdays and Thursdays where fresh produce is sold on campus at a significant discount for students! Have a wonderful year and be sure to dig yourself deep into the thick of it all! 

Preferred Name: Murphy 
Class standing: Sophomore  

Call me Murphy, I moved to Olympia a few years ago where I heard about Evergreen from a pair of Alumni. I'm studying for a dual degree, Bachelor of arts and science. This is my second year here on campus.  I'm working on beginning the studying abroad programs. Where I'd like to begin Doctoral studies, I’m hoping to teach metaphysics and cosmology. I know my way around the property well and am always happy to share what I know.  I’m always out so if you see me say hello.