Author Archives: ourcolleges_admin

I live in Marysville with my parents and my sibling—we both attend Everett Community College. I’m close to finishing my AA in General Arts & Sciences, and most days are a careful balance: shifts as a phlebotomist, hours at Amazon, then homework squeezed in around family dinners and weekend gatherings with our big extended clan.Continue reading “Student Story: Meerab John”

My name is Zichen Gong. I’m 25 years old and a proud graduate of Whatcom Community College. Growing up, attending a university wasn’t something I could easily imagine. My family didn’t have the financial resources to make that path a reality. But a connection through one of my teachers, who knew the international director atContinue reading “Student Story: Zichen Gong”

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”