At Tacoma Community College, I am pursuing my associate’s degree in accounting with the goal of becoming a bookkeeper or working in the parole system. I am proud to be continuing my education, but the reality is that the cost of living while in college makes it very difficult to succeed.
Even with full FAFSA support, I face constant financial barriers. Gas to get to school is often a challenge, and at times I haven’t had enough food to stay healthy and focused. Working while attending school is expected in this country, but it adds another layer of stress and makes it hard to balance academics, jobs, and basic needs. That stress takes a real toll on learning.
Support services like the TCC food pantry and the free bus pass have been a lifeline. They help cover immediate needs and take some of the pressure off. But they aren’t enough to make college truly accessible. For example, I want to attend the summer quarter, but without access to loans or additional aid, I may not be able to. Too often, students are forced to step away from their education simply because they can’t afford basic needs.
That’s why I believe Washington must invest in free community and technical college, especially for the first two years. It would allow students to complete their general education requirements without the overwhelming stress of tuition, and it would give us the time to focus on school rather than survival. Expanding supports like food pantries, transportation assistance, and housing aid would make higher education possible for more people—and ensure that students like me can stay enrolled, graduate, and contribute back to our communities.