Aside from being the Thunderword’s very own editor, 2024 Highline graduate Cam Lyons has a lengthy list of accomplishments as well as a multitude of future opportunities. 

“From creating learning materials for fellow students and supporting special out-of-class learning groups…to contributing to and leading our college journalistic and literary outlets…to tutoring, serving, and standing up for our local refugee communities, Cam continuously gives away pieces of their heart, making the world a more humane and beautiful place,” said Laura Manning, a communication studies faculty member here at Highline.

Growing up in Menifee, Calif., Lyons made their way to Washington state after leaving the Marine Corps. When asked why Washington was the state chosen, Lyons said, “I’d never been there and I like trees.” 

Initially entering Highline as an English major, Lyons planned to become an English teacher, striving to “create a relaxing aura in contrast to the often predatory military recruiters.” 

However, after volunteering at a food pantry and campaigning in favor of tiny homes in Tukwila, Lyons earned an AA-DTA, focusing on a major in social work and a minor in linguistics. 

“I nominated Cam because they embody the best qualities of Highline’s students: expressive, vulnerable, eager to learn and to share the wisdom they have earned, intolerant of injustice, and fiercely committed to making the world a more just and loving place,” said Manning.

Their most influential people throughout their years at Highline were Lyons’ father, and friends Peggy and Katie. 

When asked about their favorite part of Highline, Lyons answered simply, “The people.” Elaborating further to say they “weren’t expecting the teachers to be so nice” and mentions specific members of the Highline staff Kara Stuart and Laura Manning. 

The memory that comes to mind when Lyons thinks of Highline is their time at the Thunderword and the writing space it offers. “The fun of planning and talking with other writers. As a writer it’s vulnerable to have to independently seek out a community,” said Lyons. 

Aside from their stellar contributions to Highline’s Thunderword as both a writer and editor, and their award-winning poetry that has been published in Highline’s “Arcturus”, Lyons runs a short story blog called Loser Pulp and urges readers to read more poetry – recommending Walt Whitman, Robert Frost, and Lauren Badillo Milici. 

As Lyons steps away from Highline they’re looking forward to putting in hours at the pantry and staying open to opportunities, which there will surely be many. 

“One of the most impressive things a person can do, is asking for help,” advises Lyons. “Through medication, therapy, and confiding in others. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, just little things at a time. It’s something you’ll have to do, even after you consider yourself successful.”

And another sage piece of parting advice for any incoming students or continuing students from Lyons: “Drink less caffeine.” 

Congratulations on all of your achievements in and out of the classroom, Cam! Continue making the world a better place just by being you.