I’m from Michoacán, Mexico, and I’ve been living in the U.S. for two years. I came here with one clear goal: to learn English. My background is in Environmental Science, and even in Mexico our professors were clear—the best research, data, and opportunities in this field are in English. If I wanted to grow professionally, I had to learn the language.
I chose Everett Community College because it was closer to home and more affordable than other options. At first, I paid a reduced cost for English classes, but once I reached English 101, the price jumped to about $720 every three months—for just one class. When you’re working, paying rent, transportation, and food, that cost is overwhelming.
My long-term goal is to continue in Environmental Science, but Everett only offers one class in that field. The full program is at Washington State University. I don’t know how many of my credits from Mexico would transfer, whether I’d have to move, or how much it would cost. People say, “Just ask,” but when you’re new to the system, you don’t even know what questions to ask. It feels like moving forward in the dark.
Financial aid exists, but only if you commit to a full program, maintain certain credits, and meet GPA requirements. That creates an impossible choice: work full-time to survive or study full-time to qualify for help. Many of us are forced to choose survival.
The idea of making the first two years of college free would change everything. It would allow students to explore, learn, and plan without constant financial fear. It would open a real door—one that feels closed right now.
Basic needs support is another challenge. I only know about the food pantry, and even that information isn’t easy to find. Resources for housing, food, or transportation are buried online. If you don’t know where to look, it feels like nothing exists.
Finally, data protection matters deeply. Many students live with constant fear about their immigration status and who has access to their information. That anxiety doesn’t stay outside the classroom—it affects focus, mental health, and the ability to plan for the future.
Sometimes it feels like the system was built for someone else. But many of us are still here—working, studying, and trying to build a future—despite not having money, perfect English, or clear guidance. We keep going, even when it feels like we’re walking with our eyes closed.