"OC gave me the education and tools to become a productive citizen. I am very thankful for that opportunity to better myself and am thankful to OC and all the people that supported me!  I would never have imagined in a million years acquiring a college education. If I stayed in my own country, I would never have had this opportunity."

-Imelda Moore, OC alum

Imelda Moore - volunteer, diversity champion, Philippines native, OC grad

What did you study when you attended OC?
In 1987 I started in ESL (English as a Second Language) and worked my way up to credit classes. In 1991, I started taking credit classes to get an associate degree (with a concentration) in Accounting. I then got my Bachelor of Science in Accounting at City University.

What was your favorite class/professor at OC?
Sharon King and Herman Nelson.

What is your current career?
My first job was at OC as a student employee in the Accounts Payable office. In late 1993, I became part-time staff and in 1994 I became full-time staff (I am currently a Fiscal Technician III). My second job was at PSNS. When the department I worked in was dissolved, I got a full-time job here at OC. In 2005, I received the OC’s Bridge Builders award (which recognizes an employee’s ability to work collaboratively across the college. Awardees are nominated and selected by OC employees.)

What activities do you participate in?
I do outreach for OC, help with the Kitsap County Youth Rally held at OC, and volunteer for the AARP during tax season. In the Kitsap community, I’m involved with the Kitsap County Council on Human Rights and the Immigrant Assistance Center, which helps new immigrants learn where to go (to find resources). I also serve on OC’s Diversity Committee and as an advisor for OC’s Newcomers Club. (Imelda was also a recipient of the YWCA Women of Achievement award for 2008.)

Are you from Washington? If not, what brought you to the area?
I came to Seattle 1985 from the Philippines. I lived two years in Edmonds then moved here to Kitsap County in 1987 and started ESL (English as a Second Language) classes at Olympic College.  I struggled a lot because I had a limited education from the Philippines.  On top of it, I had to learn English and the culture of my new home. In 1987, there wasn’t a lot of support for new immigrants at OC or in Kitsap County. 

My time in Edmonds was spent at home taking care of my son—I didn’t get a chance to assimilate myself into my new surroundings — I was still in operating mode with no self confidence and I was scared.  My husband was helpful, but I had barriers that I have put up since I was child.  So when I moved here to Kitsap County, I met a lot of people that made a tremendous difference to my life today! Their encouragement and support started at Olympic College. To name just a few of the individuals that helped me: Janell Whiteley, Martha Smith, Colleen Elliott, Sharon King, Herman Nelson, Sandra Fowler-Hill, Patty Triggs, Betty Eager, Mona Pitre, Mary Garguile , Nellie Buckland, Judith Harris, Rachel Wellman and Jodie Collins.  I was a student, a student employee, then I became part-time and then full-time. So you could say that I was a product of Olympic College through and through. In 1994, I received a scholarship through City University to continue my education in Accounting and graduated in 1996. 

All the bad things I went through for half of my life have been a good tool to guide me to become a better person.  I like to help people “Do good things, speak good words & think good thoughts,” according to the Blia Temple Monks of Taiwan principles. That is the same kind of motto I have.

I like to learn and experience as much I can, so I’m always finding ways to get involved in the Kitsap County community and Olympic College so I can improve my English at the same time as helping others.  I’m diverse in my learning and thinking and always find good in everyone.  

How has OC inspired you?
OC gave me the education and tools to become a productive citizen. I am very thankful for that opportunity to better myself and am thankful to OC and all the people that supported me!  I would never have imagined in a million years acquiring a college education. If I stayed in my own country, I would never have had this opportunity. 

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