I’m currently a first-year Running Start student at Cascadia College and a junior at Bothell High School. Outside of school, I love playing tennis, listening to music, café hopping, and hanging out with my friends—basically anything that lets me unwind and enjoy time with people I care about.
I chose to enroll in community college because, long term, it’s a much more affordable path. Taking college-level classes now means I can graduate from a four-year university earlier, saving thousands of dollars in tuition and fees. It also felt like a better investment than AP exams because these credits transfer more directly into the courses I’ll actually need later. On top of that, I really liked the idea of experiencing college life early and having more freedom than I would if I stayed in all high school classes.
Career-wise, I know I want to do something related to biology. I’m not totally sure whether I’ll go into the medical field, but biotech and research are possibilities that feel exciting to me.
Higher education matters to me because it’s essentially the foundation for living a stable and comfortable adult life. It opens doors—to careers, to economic opportunity, to people who share your passions, and to exploring subjects in meaningful depth. Without it, there are many pathways you simply can’t access.
When it comes to affordability, though, college is far from accessible. Even with financial aid, the costs can be overwhelming. Many families save from the time their kids are born and still struggle to cover tuition and fees. While I’ve never been prevented from pursuing my education, my parents do carry the financial burden of class fees, and it’s something I’m always aware of.
Guaranteeing the first two years of college for CTC students would make a huge difference. It would give students the chance to earn a degree, build real, marketable skills, and explore career interests without the fear of “wasting money” if they’re still figuring things out. It would open pathways that feel closed to a lot of students right now.
Many students also need support with basic needs like food, transportation, and housing in order to stay enrolled. I know Cascadia offers resources like a food pantry, on-campus housing, Orca card discounts, and scholarships—and these supports make a big difference. Expanding wraparound services would reduce the pressure of choosing between school and survival. It would allow students to actually focus on learning instead of constantly worrying about how to cover essentials.
To me, that’s what real educational opportunity looks like—having the time, space, and support to focus on your future without sacrificing your present.