When I came from overseas to study at Whatcom Community College, it was a dream made possible because my basketball coach recommended it and WCC’s international director visited my city. That moment opened the door for me to pursue both my education and my passion for basketball in the U.S.
My goal has always been to stay in the game—through coaching, supporting teams, or one day owning my own basketball training facility. But getting there wasn’t simple. To afford school, I worked 16 hours a week as a custodian while juggling classes and training. The financial stress made it hard to give my best to either school or sports.
Language was another barrier. I struggled to fully express myself with coaches and advisors, and when leadership changed, I often felt international students like me weren’t given real chances to prove ourselves. Still, I was fortunate to find support: WCC connected me to a homestay family who treated me as one of their own. That wraparound support gave me the confidence to keep going—and showed me how critical those services are for students.
If community college had been free, everything would have been different. Instead of worrying about money or piecing together work hours, I could have focused on my studies, my training, and my future. Free doesn’t mean low quality—it means more students, especially those from immigrant and international backgrounds, can show up and thrive.
Washington lawmakers have the chance to make this a reality. Free college is not just about saving money; it’s about opening doors, building confidence, and ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential.