D'Marcus George 
Associate of Applied Science-Transfer, Cybersecurity 

Whatcom Community College student D’Marcus George had a straightforward answer as to why he chose to attend Whatcom: “I chose WCC because from the very first moment I stepped onto the campus, everyone was so welcoming, which is something I had never experienced before. I can say from personal experience that it’s environments like this that make it easier to grow and succeed. Whatcom felt like more than just a place to earn a degree—it felt like something special, a place where I could rebuild, refocus, and redefine my purpose.”

D’Marcus wanted to make life changes. “I’ll be honest, growing up, I didn’t value education the way I should have. I dropped out of high school in the 10th grade and learned firsthand how easily potential can fade when opportunity feels out of reach. Deep down, I always wanted something different for my life, but for a long time, I just didn’t know where to begin.”

He credits his close friends Logan and Barry for showing him the true value of education and encouraging him to give it another chance. “It wasn’t easy. I had to work extremely hard, but I earned my GED in just six months. From there, I enrolled in my first college class. My first paper was rough, to say the least, but I kept pushing, learning, and improving. Eventually, I earned my Associate of Arts (AA) degree from Seattle Central College.”
D’Marcus’s friends introduced him to computers and coding. “At first, I didn’t even know how to open a folder without getting lost. Learning to code was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but my friends guided me, helped build my confidence, and I discovered a passion I didn’t even know I had. Their mentorship sparked my love for technology and inspired the career path I’m now pursuing.” He is currently enrolled in WCC’s Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in cybersecurity, with the intention of completing his Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) degree in IT networking with a focus on cybersecurity. “I love the hands-on side of IT—being able to combine my technical knowledge with real, tangible problem solving. There is something powerful about building a system from the ground up and watching it all come together.” 

The staff and faculty at WCC have played an integral role to D’Marcus’s experience at the College. “I’m deeply thankful for their dedication and the way they go above and beyond to help students like me find our footing and for opening so many doors and providing me with opportunities that continue to help me grow.” D’Marcus balances two jobs while attending WCC full-time, one is a work-study position in the Learning Center where he works with Misty Kemp and Jason Babcock. “Their encouragement and guidance have meant the world to me, and I truly wouldn’t be where I am today without their support.” 

Additional supporters include the Workforce Funding Department, where he worked with Tess Winds Johnson in finding funding sources such as the Opportunity Grant, Basic Food Employment and Training (BFET), Supporting Students Experiencing Homelessness (SSEH), the Whatcom Dream, and the Washington State Opportunity Scholarship; Jessica Fox in Financial Aid, who helped him navigate the enrollment process smoothly to begin his studies without delay; and his professor, Leo Hopcroft, who once told him, “Even if you don’t feel like a great student right now, you can become one.”  D'Marcus reflected, “That simple advice completely changed my entire college experience. Before hearing that, I often doubted whether I was cut out for college, but I learned that success isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being willing to grow, work hard, and make the necessary adjustments.” 

“As far as advice to new students, I’d say: embrace every opportunity, seek guidance when you need it, and never underestimate the power of persistence. College isn’t just about earning a degree—it’s about discovering who you are and what you’re capable of. Surround yourself with mentors, classmates, and resources that challenge you and lift you up.”