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Ivy CaterIvy Cater

Associate of Science Transfer degree-Business 
Earning a bachelor’s degree in business administration, Southern Oregon University 

Micro- and macroeconomics were two of Ivy Cater's favorite classes while working toward her associate degree in Business at COCC, helping set the footing for further studies. "Economics has changed my perspective," she says. "It couples itself very closely to the material that I am learning in my business classes — it's a complex subject that requires critical thinking."  
 
Faculty expertise and experience infused learning with a real-world feel, Cater says, and she appreciated the approachable quality of her instructor. 
 
"The course assignments were delivered in a way that kept us engaged," she adds. "And homework wasn't just reviewed, but rather used as a teaching tool for students who may not fully understand the concepts." The expectation of student participation was an active ingredient: "Spotlight" sessions — which offered every student a chance to shine by sharing their own work — are a cherished memory of Cater's.  
 
Now advancing into some higher-level business classes in her bachelor's degree program, the COCC grad is grateful for the strong foundation she acquired at the College.

Darcy ToddDarcy Todd

Associate of Arts Oregon Transfer degree, Economics 
Commercial Building Technician, City of Bend

The building plans that come across Darcy Todd's desk every week signify a fast-growing community with expanding needs. As a commercial building permit technician with the City of Bend, Todd sees the growth of the community in its impending form, one blueprint at a time — and contemplating that development, and the population and economy that drive it, fascinated her enough to enroll at COCC for a deep dive, and a degree, in Economics. 

"Economics is everywhere, from growth to poverty, social injustices, and environmental concerns," says Todd, who's keen to bring more insight and expertise to her position. "Having a desire to better our community and to be more aware made me want to have a deeper understanding." The degree, she says, will give her the tools to think critically about important issues. 
 
Having already earned a college degree, Todd saw this return to school as a way build "holistic" knowledge that connected to her job — with engaging coursework and personal attention throughout. "Working full time and having kids in high school can make things a tad challenging," she says, "but COCC's flexible class schedules allow me the opportunity to select courses that fit into my life."