Laneeka Hall
Lifelong Learner
Alumna Puts BAS in Youth Development to Use at Highline College.
When Laneeka Hall moved to Maple Valley from the Edmonds/Lynnwood area for her fiancé’s job, she couldn’t anticipate the positive impact it would have on her own education and career.
But then she enrolled at Highline College.
“I chose Highline simply because of its location,” Hall said. “I had no idea I would be choosing the best school I have ever been to in my life. Go, Thunderbirds!”
Having been enrolled since 2015, Hall finished her Bachelor of Applied Science in Youth Development from Highline College in winter 2022.
“I love human beings,” the 31-year-old said when asked why she chose youth development. “But I especially love youth and young adults. I think this age group is so exciting, full of life, ideas, they are funny and they are our future. Let us empower them.”
While pursuing her degree, Hall also obtained employment at Highline College.
In addition to being the place she has earned her education, Highline College is also where Hall finds fulfillment within her career as an Achieve Adviser. In this role, she helps students who are part of Highline’s Achieve program navigate through college. Achieve is a post-secondary transitional program that includes credit and non-credit classes, intensive advising, community-based internships and assistance with job placement for students with intellectual disabilities.
“This is not a traditional college, but a college that takes a word like ‘inclusion’ and puts that word into action,” she said. “This really is a college that is built by staff and students.”
Hall said she is passionate about learning and hopes to pursue her master’s degree as she continues to learn and grow while working at Highline. During her master’s she plans to do research on how students learn.
Although Hall has a long list of instructors that helped her learn throughout her degree, she said each one of their classes led to enriching experiences for her.
“All these educators are inspirations for me in some way,” Hall said. “I am so grateful for these passionate, empowering, inspiring individuals. Many people find their inspirations from celebrity sources –– these are my celebrity sources.”
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