My name is Juan. I am a running start student completing my AA. I am on the Pre-Med track. I am grateful and proud to be in a community college because higher education is a privilege and something that not many attain or aspire to. My career aspirations are to become a doctor or something related to the medical field.
Some of the barriers that I have faced while attaining my college education are financial barriers. For example, as a running start student, the school does not pay for our supplies, like books, which can range from $50 to +$100. It is hard to get money to pay for that. I work as a lifeguard at YMCA, and it is hard to balance school, work and extracurriculars.
My mom works as a housekeeper, and my dad in a carpet cleaner company. They financially support me but it can be hard to pay for books when you have bills. Free college for me would be a help in my journey to medical school. Free college should also be able to cover wraparound services, so that we are financially stable, and can focus on our studies. I chose to go to college despite the costs because it is a good investment to my future. Education is an investment to the future of our communities, and Washington needs to pass legislation.
Juan De Dios, Seattle