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Student Success StoryMiah Andersen, BSW

Addiction Studies and Human Services graduate
Master of Social Work candidate, Portland State University

As an Addiction Studies and Human Services student at COCC, Miah Andersen had clear academic ambitions — but some uncertainty, too. "I started at COCC with the intention of transferring to a university, but I had no idea what that looked like," says Andersen. "I knew that I wanted to pursue counseling."

After a powerful class in early childhood trauma inspired Andersen during her first year, she met with her program advisor and learned about a new path in social work for Central Oregonians available through Portland State University (PSU). The Bachelor in Social Work (BSW) online program, with an on-site office presence at COCC's Bend campus, is clinically focused and teaches skills through methods like role-playing and group counseling.

"I owe so much of that to the Addiction Studies and Human Services program at COCC and the transition into higher education at PSU."

"It was my goal for two years to eventually apply to PSU, and I did. The classes provided me with a skill set that has consistently set me apart from co-workers and other undergraduate students." During her time at COCC, Andersen took classes in Human Services, mental health, criminal justice, and addiction-specific services. She also volunteered with COCC's psychology club, called COPE.

"I consistently get feedback that I 'know what I'm doing,'" adds Andersen. "I owe so much of that to the Addiction Studies and Human Services program at COCC and the transition into higher education at PSU."

Learn about related transfer degree programs available through Portland State University and Oregon State University-Cascades.

Carlos VazquezCarlos Vazquez

Addiction Studies and Human Services graduate
Oversight and accountability council member, State of Oregon's Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act

Carlos Vazquez was hurtling down a dangerous road. Before enrolling in COCC's Addiction Studies and Human Services program, that road seemed endless. "My life revolved around addiction, jail, prison, mental health problems, and a terrible misunderstanding about myself and who I was," he shares.

But Vazquez made his way to sobriety, and although he struggled with some depression and was burdened by back-to-school fears, he decided to begin anew — and to learn to help others. So he started up at COCC, began to shape a healthier life in the process, earning a COCC Foundation scholarship and receiving the school's diversity achievement award along the way, finding the redirection that he needed through his studies.

"The education I received has opened so many doors in my life, beyond my wildest dreams."

"College has opened so many possibilities," he says. "The Addiction Studies and Human Services program is the most important investment of my life." Vazquez credits a "safe, inclusive learning environment" and an experience that "modeled what trauma-informed care should look like" as the elements that were key to his success.

Since graduation, Vazquez has held positions as an adolescent residential counselor for the Yes House and as a community health worker for Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center. He now works as part of the treatment team at CHANCE Recovery in Albany.

The COCC graduate also serves on the oversight and accountability council of Oregon's recently passed Drug Addiction Treatment and Recovery Act, or Measure 110, contributing to the state's large-scale shift from drug criminalization to treatment and recovery. "The education I received has opened so many doors in my life, beyond my wildest dreams," he adds.

Sarah WiggersSarah Wiggers, MSW

Addiction Studies and Human Services graduate
Detox Supervisor, BestCare Treatment Services

Seeking out new challenges is the key to a contented life for Sarah Wiggers. An insatiable learner, Wiggers had already completed three associate degrees and a certificate in under a decade — spending a diverse mini-career in the restaurant industry — before she arrived at COCC's Addiction Studies and Human Services program, motivated with a new purpose. Being around substance abuse in the workplace, and witnessing similar abuse that struck a little closer to home, caused Wiggers to reset her path. She wanted to make a difference, to help people "find their voices again."

"I've been given the opportunity to work with some accomplished professionals for whom I have the utmost respect," says Wiggers of her COCC experience. "Their mentorship has assisted my personal development and growth."

"It was engaging, challenging, and prepared me to excel as a student and clinician, providing me with a rewarding career path."

Wiggers received All-Oregon Academic Team honors and a Certificate of Academic Excellence while at the College and went on to earn both a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work. "COCC has been an invaluable investment in my future," she adds. "It was engaging, challenging, and prepared me to excel as a student and clinician, providing me with a rewarding career path."