My name is Maria. I was born in California, but they took me to Mexico from a very young age. I had two daughters, and I studied high school in Mexico and then returned to the United States. Even though I was born in the United States when I returned, I didn’t know how to speak English; it was a different environment and very difficult for me.
I started studying English at Pasco College, aiming to pursue a career in nursing. It hasn’t been easy for me, but it hasn’t stopped me from graduating from English classes. Even though I fell into a mental health crisis due to an episode in my life, I did not give up; thanks to the support of my husband, I kept going. I was motivated to continue my education.
We moved from Pasco, and I decided to enter YVC Grandview College to continue advancing my education and show my four daughters it is possible. I would like to graduate as a nurse. The college has flexible schedules and is close to my house, but the financial barrier would be challenging for me to continue my studies because I know it is costly. I also have a daughter who will study, and the two tuition fees would be a hefty burden for our family. I also have to buy diapers and food and pay our bills, and all that financial burden makes me discouraged and not want to continue. This barrier affects us significantly because it can lead us to abandon our dreams.
In my case, I started studying English from the bottom, and it would be frustrating not to continue, but if college were free, it would change my life a lot and help me achieve my dreams. I have not heard of the basic needs services, but if these services were applied, it could significantly impact the students; more people would be applying to college and continuing to fulfill their dreams and generate jobs in the future. If I could access academic counseling, having the information would be more accessible, and I would not search for it only on the Internet. I have not taken academic counseling, but my teachers have helped me find information.
Maria de Jesus Ramirez, Grandview