Emily Hamilton (she/her) is not a stranger to service to others. Even in regard to her passion for poetry and literature, Hamilton has served illustriously on the National Poetry Committee here at Highline, carrying the torch proudly, and with it, the tradition among Thunderbirds to be especially keen to the arts.

Highline advisor Tarisa Matsumoto-Maxfield said of Hamilton, “Her work has helped to elevate the writing and creative works of Highline students.”

The Thunderword sat down with the busy student and asked her about her journey. It became very apparent that Hamilton’s drive is pointed, honest, and thoroughly forward-thinking.

Her favorite part of Highline has been the realization that good people exist, and they are plenty. “[Highline] taught me that there are sincerely good people out there and I get to choose to be among them and be one of them,” said Hamilton.

Hamilton brought up pillars of the Highline community like Laura Manning, Susan Rich, and Susan Landgraff as leaders who have left an indelible mark on Hamilton’s personal and academic life.

Majoring in business management, Hamilton stays open to what profession comes next. In the spirit of adventure, she is rockhounding in Montana, then returning to a full schedule at Central Washington University where she will pursue a degree in accounting and remaining a writing tutor in the campus library.

For the uninitiated, ‘rockhounding’ is the collection of rocks, fossils, and minerals; such a curious and energetic hobby makes complete sense once you meet Hamilton. “The happiest you will ever see me is covered in a layer of dirt, digging in the desert for stones,” she said.

Prairie Brown and Deb Moore have also been key influences in Hamilton’s academic journey, and as she began listing names, it became clear just how many at Highline will always have a place in her heart. She realized in the moment that the amount of people who made a difference in her life here were too numerous to count, a true blessing, if there ever was one. “There’s good people out there. I get to take that, and them, with me and spread it,” said Hamilton.

Spreading goodness is not a new feat for our student/tutor extraordinaire. Her parting words with the Thunderword speaks of her optimism and interpersonal skills: “Invest in people and let them invest in you.” 

We congratulate Emily on her successes and wish her the most fulfillment possible in her future endeavors!