At Yakima Valley College, I balance many roles: I am a student studying humanities, and a work-study employee with student life on campus. Community college has given me the chance to keep learning, improve my communication skills, and prepare for a career where I can make a difference in people’s lives.
Like many students, I face financial barriers, but FAFSA and work-study have been critical in helping me stay enrolled. Work-study, in particular, has been valuable—not just for income, but because it provides real-world experience while allowing flexibility for my classes. I believe these kinds of opportunities should also be available to undocumented students, who often face the steepest barriers yet are shut out of programs like work-study.
When I think about free community college, I know it would lift a huge burden for students. Some may wonder, as I have, whether free tuition would cause people to take school less seriously. But in the end, what matters is that cost should never be the reason someone gives up on their education. Free college would expand opportunity, relieve financial stress, and allow students to focus on building careers that strengthen our communities.
I also believe colleges must do more to make students aware of resources—from housing and food assistance to mental health supports. Too often, these services exist but remain invisible. By combining free college with stronger wraparound supports, Washington can ensure that every student—not just those who already know how to navigate the system—has the chance to succeed.