Hello, my name is Leticia Baeza. I was born in Guadalajara, Mexico; I am currently 56 years old. I am attending Yakima Valley College to obtain my psychology or social work degree. I am studying to be a role model for my children. I have four beautiful children who are already adults, and one of my daughters is attending YVC with me.
I want to become a psychologist or social worker because I have 12 years of teaching religion classes in my community. I want to get this degree to help educate my community and advise students and their parents who are struggling with mental health issues and need professional guidance.
There have been various barriers I have experienced when studying at my age, such as difficulties learning English due to it not being my native language. There are also financial barriers, such as paying for my books or programs and software required for my classes.
Free college would allow me to have less stress regarding my education and let me focus on my house, utilities, and food expenses. Also, having the opportunity to do work study at my school would give me the ability to work and study at the same place, making it more convenient. I would have more time to study and allow me to pursue tutoring to teach my knowledge to my community. Overall, if college were free, it would help many students in the community by relieving them of the burden of financial expenses, making school the main priority.
Leticia Baeza, Yakima