Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin

My name is Débora Pereira. I was born in Santiago, Chile, in 1986. Four years ago, after waiting sixteen years for a residency visa, my family and I finally moved to the United States. I’m married, I have three children, and since 2022, Everett Community College has become a central part of this new chapterContinue reading “Student Story: Debora Pereira”

I was born in Japan, but I’ve grown up here in Washington, where I’m now in high school. I love staying active — volleyball, skiing, and even playing mahjong with friends — but I also spend a lot of time thinking about my future. I want to study computer science and eventually work in tech,Continue reading “Student Story: Sougou Tojima”

After serving in the military and working at the post office, I came to Yakima Valley College to build a better career for my future. Like many veterans, I joined the military in part to earn VA education benefits. Those benefits now cover my tuition, but even so, I see every day how difficult itContinue reading “Student Story: Isai Sanchez”

Born in Oakland, California, and raised for many years in Colima, Mexico, Maria Arteaga Toscano returned to the United States determined to build a better future. When she arrived in Pasco, she took whatever work she could find—fast food jobs and fieldwork—before landing a position at an apple packing plant. The environment there was difficultContinue reading “Student Story: Maira Arteaga Toscano”

I’m a student at UW Bothell, majoring in elementary education and studying sign language. I transferred here last winter after earning my associate’s degree at Edmonds College, where I started through Running Start in high school. I really enjoyed Edmonds — the environment, the people, and the chance to take college-level classes early. Now, IContinue reading “Student Story: J Jacoby”

As a 22-year-old mother of a toddler, I never imagined I would be in college. At first, I didn’t see higher education as necessary, but becoming a mom changed everything. My son motivated me to return to school so I could create a better future for both of us. Now in my second year atContinue reading “Student Story: Dayana Antonio”

I grew up without my parents and spent most of my life moving from house to house. My grandparents raised me, and by the time I turned eighteen, I moved into my own place and started paying for everything myself. I’ve been working since I was fourteen, and I’m a first-generation college student trying toContinue reading “Student Story: Gaby Weble”

As a high school student, most of my life right now revolves around learning and creating. I’m heavily involved in extracurriculars like TSA, FBLA, Game Jams, and Hackathons—any space where I can code, build applications, or challenge myself with new ideas. Technology is something I genuinely enjoy, and I’m already thinking ahead about what itContinue reading “Student Story: Yazad Hiloowalla”

Last fall, I came to community college without even a high school diploma. In just three weeks, I earned my GED and began working on prerequisites for the dental hygiene program. Recently, I received my acceptance into that program—a major step toward my dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Staying close to home made thisContinue reading “Student Story: Danae Lee”

Seven years ago, I moved to the U.S. with my family from a small island near Guam. As a student at Lincoln High School and now a second-year Running Start student at Tacoma Community College, I have worked hard to make the most of every opportunity available to me. Running Start has been life-changing. BecauseContinue reading “Student Story: Bibi Shrestha”