My name is Arturo, I’m 17, and I go to Everett High School. After I graduate, my plan is to go to Everett Community College for two years and then transfer to a four-year university—hopefully the University of Washington or another strong school. My big goal is to become a nurse. I’ve always liked helping people, and I want to work in a field where I can make a real difference in people’s lives.
My story is also my family’s story. My dad came here from Colima, Mexico when he was young, and my mom came from Laos as a refugee. Both of them started with almost nothing and worked really hard to build a life here. I have two brothers, and watching them has shaped how I think about education and my future.
My oldest brother did Running Start in high school, earned his associate’s degree, then transferred to the University of Washington to study computer engineering. Now he works for the government. My other brother went to Sno-Isle Tech because he wanted to become an electrical engineer. After graduating and getting his certifications, he joined the Navy. I got to travel to Chicago to see his graduation. For our family—immigrant parents, three sons—that moment felt huge. It showed me what’s possible when you have access to education and support.
Now it’s my turn to figure out my path. Education matters to me because it opens doors. It gives you a direction instead of leaving you stuck wondering, “What now?” after high school. I’ve seen some students drop out or give up because they don’t see the point of school or don’t see a future in it. For me, I want to keep going. I want to build a better future for myself and my family.
Right now, I’m already earning some college credits in high school. I’m taking a UW composition class and AP U.S. History through the “College in the High School” program. The school helps us register and covers the costs, so I earn both high school and college credit. Programs like that really show how education can be a bridge—you start early, and the transition to college doesn’t feel as scary.
When it comes to whether college is affordable, I think the answer is, “It depends”—on what degree you want, whether you stay in-state, whether your family understands financial aid, and what kind of support you can access. I personally haven’t hit major financial barriers yet, but I’ve seen classmates struggle. Some of them are dealing with housing issues or trying to cover basic needs while staying in school. It’s made me realize that being “college-ready” isn’t just about grades—it’s also about money, stability, and support.
That’s why I think guaranteeing the first two years of community or technical college would be powerful. It would take a lot of pressure off students and families. I know students in Running Start who are already juggling college and high school at the same time—trying to save money and get ahead, but also dealing with stress and burnout. If the first two years of college were free, more students could focus on actually learning instead of constantly worrying about tuition. I think a lot more people would take that next step after graduation if they knew they had that opportunity waiting.
I also believe that education can’t be separated from basic needs. Students absolutely need support with things like housing, food, transportation, and even childcare for those who are parenting. At Everett High, we do have wraparound services, and I know some colleges have similar resources. But I also feel like there isn’t enough clear information about what’s available. Sometimes schools send information to parents, but it doesn’t always reach students. Parents might be busy, working, or dealing with their own stress, and things get lost. I think schools should communicate directly with students too—through announcements, emails, workshops—so we actually know what help is out there and how to access it.