I am Aracele Ebe, a student at Bellevue College. Since I was young, I dreamed of becoming a doctor, but financial struggles made it impossible to finish my college classes.
At 19, I moved from Egypt to California to be with my mother and sister. Soon after, I got married and became pregnant with my first child. A few years later, I faced domestic violence in my marriage, which deeply affected my confidence, health, and ability to work. I endured years of abuse and a long legal battle, all while trying to provide for my child. When my mother and sister moved to Canada, I followed them, hoping for a fresh start. However, without Canadian residency, I couldn’t work in healthcare and had to take a job in a butcher shop just to survive.
While pregnant with my second child, I was forced to leave Canada due to immigration issues. I couldn’t return to California because of my abuser, so a friend’s family in Seattle took me in for a short time. After losing everything when my car was stolen, I found myself homeless with my son and another baby on the way. A social worker helped me get into a shelter for domestic violence survivors, and I slowly rebuilt my life. I found transitional housing and took a dishwashing job, determined to prove myself. Within months, I became one of the most valued employees, earning an award for my work ethic. Later, I was able to take a nursing assistant course and pass my state exam, but health issues forced me to pause my career again. Despite the setbacks, I never gave up on my dreams.
In 2014, I started at Bellevue College, but financial struggles forced me to leave school multiple times to work and support my children. Eventually, with the help of an amazing advisor, I found a clear path forward. I completed my lab technician degree with a 4.0 GPA and discovered a passion for healthcare informatics. Financial aid and work-study programs made a huge difference, allowing me to afford a laptop, pay for my car, and focus on my education. The support I received at Bellevue College, especially from the multicultural services team, gave me confidence and a sense of belonging. I made it my mission to help others, guiding new students through the process and encouraging them to pursue their education.
Without financial aid, I would have had to quit school again to support my kids. Instead, I’m now close to finishing my bachelor’s degree, and my son is preparing for college with my guidance. I believe everyone deserves access to education, and I do everything I can to help others navigate the system. I have big dreams—to attend a World Health Organization or CDC event, to open a home care business for the elderly, and to make a real impact in healthcare.
Education has transformed my life, and I want to ensure others have the same opportunity. We need more support for students, especially those from diverse backgrounds, so that no one feels alone in their journey. Now, I’m dreaming of finishing my bachelor’s degree and making sure I’m helping my kids to be on the right track.
Aracele Ebe, Bellevue