Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin

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, IContinue reading “Student Story: Maximiliano Torres”

Growing up in a big, loud family with four older brothers, one older sister, and a bunch of nieces and nephews, I was never really alone. We moved around a lot, but being surrounded by family always made everything feel a little easier, a little more fun.  When I finally started college, I felt awkwardContinue reading “Student Story: Valentina Vargas”

I’m someone who loves helping others, learning new things, and being creative. I always try to make people feel welcome, and I believe that every experience—big or small—shapes who I am and who I want to become. I chose to start at a Lake Washington Institute of Technology because it’s affordable and close to home.Continue reading “Student Story: Mary Estorque”

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 helpingContinue reading “Student Story: Arturo Gomez”

My name is Noemi, I’m 16 years old, and I go to East Valley High School. I’m in 10th grade, and I want to study to be a pediatrician and help all the moms have their babies. College costs a lot of money, so I think I’m going to have to work hard and askContinue reading “Student Story: Noemi Figueroa”

I grew up in Spanaway, Washington, in a big family of six kids — I have a twin and two younger siblings I’ve helped take care of for most of my life. Responsibility has always been a big part of who I am, and that’s part of why I’ve always wanted to build a careerContinue reading “Student Story: Dylan Nelson”

My name is Elise Almeda. I am a first-generation Filipino American. Both my mom and dad are from the Philippines. They moved here in their 30s, and I’m one of two siblings. My brother is in eighth grade, and I’m a student at Jackson High School as well as Cascadia Community College. I’m working onContinue reading “Student Story: Elise Almeda”

My name is Brena Smith. I’m 21 years old and was born and raised in Olympia. I’m the first person in my family to try and go to college, but it’s been really hard to make it work. My parents both work, my dad’s in construction and my mom works for the state, but evenContinue reading “Student Story: Brena Smith”

Landing in Washington from Cambodia less than a year ago felt like resetting my entire life to zero. New language, new systems, new expectations—everything needed to be learned from scratch. My full name is Han Phannmannavy Phorn, but almost everyone here just calls me Navy. This is my third quarter at Everett Community College, andContinue reading “Student Story: Phannmannavy Phorn”

As a Running Start student at Yakima Valley College, I am studying engineering with the goal of one day working in aerospace—at companies like Boeing—after earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree. Starting at community college allows me to stay close to home and save money while building a foundation for my career. But even withContinue reading “Student Story: Sephen Martinez”