I grew up in Mexico, even though my parents are Mexican American. My life and upbringing were rooted there, and those experiences shaped who I am today. I am currently an 11th-grade high school student, and I already know that I want to study business. My goal is to attend a community college because it feels more accessible and realistic for me.
I don’t believe your knowledge or your worth should be defined by the university you attend, but by what you truly know and what you are capable of doing. Community college feels like the right place for me—it’s closer, more affordable, and aligned with my goals. I want to study business, specifically business management and marketing, earn my associate degree, and later obtain my real estate license.
My educational journey hasn’t been simple. At one point, I planned to attend CBC in Pasco, but I had to move. Then I tried to enroll at Big Bend Community College, where I was told I would have to pay around $400 for books under something called “Day One Fees,” plus additional charges for technology and a computer. Transportation was another major barrier. My mom works, and I didn’t have anyone who could take me to school. Without transportation, attending classes just wasn’t possible.
I feel that programs like Running Start should be more accessible, especially since many students join because they want to get ahead and earn two years of college for free. Unfortunately, the process feels very complicated. When I moved to Spokane, I was never properly informed about deadlines, and when I finally arrived, I was told it was too late to start. Students who move should have better opportunities and clearer guidance so they don’t fall through the cracks.
If college were free, so much would change. There would be more educated people, better jobs, and more opportunities overall—things like being able to buy a home or a car. In the end, that benefits not just individuals, but the entire state. For me personally, it would mean being able to get an education at my age without putting a financial burden on my parents, who are not in a position to pay for college. It would also help families who are in even more difficult situations than mine—families who deserve access to education but simply don’t have the resources.
If I had the chance to speak with a senator or representative, I would ask them to truly put themselves in other people’s shoes. To understand how hard people struggle just to get a decent job. Every job is worthy, as long as you are working honestly. But life could be so much better—and easier—if people had access to education. I know not everyone would take advantage of the opportunity, but many would. There are people who truly want to study, who have the ambition and drive, and they deserve that chance.
Like everyone else, I’ve faced difficulties in my life. I’m not saying I’ve had it easy, but I also recognize that others have had it much harder than I have. That’s why I value what I have—and why I believe so strongly that anyone who wants to study should have the opportunity to do so.