I’m a sophomore at Everett High School, and I stay pretty busy — between volleyball, tennis, and playing the cello in the school orchestra, my days are full. I like challenging myself, so I’m taking AP World History right now, and last year I took AP Environmental Science. I really enjoy learning about how things connect in the world.
In the future, I want to study business — maybe real estate, maybe management — something flexible that lets me build a future where I have choices. But college already feels far away, not because I’m worried about my grades, but because of money. Even at fifteen, it feels like a lot. When I think about tuition, books, housing, and transportation, it’s overwhelming.
I remember when my cousin got a scholarship that I didn’t, even though we’re from the same family and share the same situation. I was happy for him, but it still hurt. It made me question how fair the system really is. We’re both working toward the same goal — going to college — but sometimes it feels like you have to fit a certain type to get help.
If the first two years of community or technical college were guaranteed and free, it would mean freedom — not just for me, but for families like mine. It would break the cycle of working just to afford classes. It would give people like us the chance to focus on learning instead of surviving.