Alumni Spotlight: Zach Eddy '16

Wenatchee Valley College was more than a stepping stone for Zach Eddy, it was the launchpad for a bold new chapter. After more than a decade working as an industrial laborer, Zach wanted something different for his future. He wanted something that challenged him creatively and WVC opened that door.

One of Zach’s fondest memories was working as a student editor for Mirror Northwest, WVC’s literary journal. It wasn’t just about editing others' work; it was where he saw his own poetry published for the very first time. Holding that printed copy in his hands, seeing his name in print, changed how he saw himself, not just as a student, but as a writer.

Today, Zach wears many hats. He teaches English composition and creative writing at WVC, serves as the College in the High School liaison for Bridgeport, WA, and works as the operations coordinator for the Wenatchee Valley Museum and Cultural Center. 

Beyond his day jobs, he judges the Write on the River nonfiction contest, leads historical fiction workshops, and is steadily crafting a collection of poems titled Smelter — a deeply personal project inspired by his years working at the Alcoa-Wenatchee Works plant before it closed.

Zach credits WVC with giving him the tools to succeed. Every course he took left a mark. He learned to find his voice, defend his ideas, engage thoughtfully with the world around him, and recognize his own biases. It was an education that went far beyond textbooks.

When asked what advice he would offer today’s students, Zach keeps it simple but meaningful: "Make time for a creative writing class."