When I came to Yakima Valley College, I knew right away it was one of the best decisions I had made. I had studied English in other programs before, but the system here worked better for me, and now I am proud to be in Level 6 of ESL. My long-term goal is to revalidate my degree in Industrial Engineering so I can continue my professional career here in the United States.
But the cost of higher education is a constant concern. ESL classes are affordable at $25 a semester, but once I move into a degree program, the price will rise sharply. If community college were free for the first two years, I could focus fully on school instead of trying to find weekend jobs to cover tuition. It would also give students like me the chance to save money for other basic needs, rather than sacrificing our education.
Another major challenge is information. Too many immigrant and ESL students don’t know what services exist—like food pantries, financial aid, or even what programs they can pursue after English. When I first arrived, I only knew about my English classes. I learned about my options through a counselor and by connecting with Communities for Our Colleges. But most of my classmates remain unaware of these opportunities.
Washington should invest not only in free college but also in better outreach and guidance for immigrant and ESL students. With clear information, financial support, and the chance to study without overwhelming costs, we can move beyond just learning English—we can build careers that strengthen our communities and our state.