When Bertha Sanchez arrived on the WVC campus, she carried both excitement and uncertainty. Fresh out of Wenatchee High School, she’d never imagined college could be within reach. A full scholarship from the Wenatchee Police Department changed everything. “I chose WVC because it felt like home,” Bertha recalls. “Small classes and supportive faculty gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.”

Bertha’s favorite spot was always the library. She spent hours lost in the stacks, devouring books and discovering new worlds. That love of learning led her to earn an Associate of Arts and Sciences degree in 1994 and then move on to a four-year university. But WVC remained a constant in her life.

Today, Bertha serves as WVC’s Director of Counseling Services, a role she’s held since 2007. She helps students navigate the very challenges she once faced - first generation student worries, financial hurdles, and finding their place on campus. “Every student brings their own story,” she says. “My job is to listen, guide, and remind them they’re not alone.”

Outside of WVC, Bertha’s commitment to the community runs deep. She’s served on the boards of the Community Foundation of NCW, Columbia Valley Community Health, and Children’s Home Society of Washington. In each role, she’s forged partnerships that bring fresh resources back to WVC students and families.

Looking back, Bertha knows WVC set her on the right path. Small classes taught her to speak up. Hands-on support showed her what was possible. And those early connections gave her a network she relies on to this day. “WVC taught me that every question is worth asking and every challenge is a chance to grow,” she reflects.

To students just starting their journey, Bertha offers this advice: use every resource, including counseling, tutoring, workshops, and build relationships with peers and professors. “Trust yourself,” she says. “You belong here, and your story matters.”