Seven years ago, I moved to the U.S. with my family from a small island near Guam. As a student at Lincoln High School and now a second-year Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, I have worked hard to make the most of every opportunity available to me. Running Start has been life-changing. Because tuition is covered, I’ve been able to explore different career paths—like business and engineering—without the crushing weight of debt hanging over me.
But now, as I prepare for college applications and look toward finishing my degree, I am worried about the cost of what comes next. Inflation, high tuition rates, and FAFSA changes make the future feel uncertain. I am scared of being saddled with $50,000 or more in debt just to get an education. Scholarships are competitive, and even families like mine, who appear to earn “enough,” struggle to actually afford tuition, housing, and food.
I know what a difference it makes when education is free—Running Start has proven that. That’s why I believe Washington should guarantee the first two years of college free for all students. It would give students like me the chance to continue our education without fear of financial ruin, to focus on our studies, and to pursue careers that strengthen our communities.
I also know how important student supports are. At TCC, the food pantry, tutoring, and counseling have been lifelines—not just for me, but for many classmates. These services make school survivable, not just accessible. Free college, paired with strong student supports, would allow more young people like me to succeed.